The cause of death of four whale carcasses that were washed up on the shores of ‘Atā Island last month, remains unknown.

Police are understood to have investigated the case but thre are no updates so far.

Prison Officer Kolianita Feke who saw and took pictures of the dead whales said today that the whales were found decomposing in the sea at the small island, when he visited last week on a routine shift.

He said one of the dead whales had a hole on the head and near its mouth and he assumed it was shot.

"I understand police interviewed one of our prison officers who reported the dead whales. But I have not heard of the outcome yet," he said.

‘Atā is a small remote island, an hour by boat off the east coast of Tongatapu where a few prisoners are kept.

Tongan waters are a sanctuary for whales since the ban against its killing remains in force since 1978 as declared by the late King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, in a royal decree.