Graphic content warning: Sperm whale explodes in Faroe Islands

A dead sperm whale has exploded in the Faroe Islands. Image / Faroese Broadcasting Corporation

WARNING: REALLY GRAPHIC CONTENT.

A dead sperm whale has exploded on a beach in the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic.

It is believed to have died of natural causes after becoming stranded on a beach with two other whales.

When a man attempted to open its stomach, a large gas pocket erupted in the decomposing whale.

Watch the video from the Faroese Broadcasting Corporation below. Again, we warn you this is graphic content:

The Faroe Islands are known for the non-commercial whale hunts, known as grindadráp, that are regulated by Faroese authorities but not the International Whaling Commission.

The hunts kill around 950 long-finned pilot whales annually.

- nzherald.co.nz