DHAKA: The bodies of around 400 dolphins washed up on beaches in northern Peru last month, baffling authorities who are so far mystified as to the cause.

Officials said on Tuesday, The Straits Times publishes this report on Wednesday.

The mammals’ remains were found on beaches stretching across the northern departments of Piura and Lambayeque, said Peruvian Sea Institute (IMARPE) official Jaime de la Cruz in Chiclayo.

Lambayeque is in far northern Peru, almost at the Ecuadoran border.

Samples of the animals’ remains were sent to Lima for autopsies to be done, De la Cruz said.

BDST: 1349 HRS, FEB 05, 2014