Giant 12-foot ‘Harbinger of Doom’ oarfish spotted bloody and disfigured on beach in Philippines, igniting natural disaster fears among locals

A rare 3.5 meter long oarfish discovered bloody and deformed on the coast of the Philippines has sparked fears of an impending natural disaster.

The ribbon-shaped fish, also known as the ‘Harbinger of Doom’, was spotted by a fisherman on Wednesday as bleeding profusely and with serious facial injuries.

Its discovery has sparked fear among locals, as the more superstitious believe the animal’s sighting signals an impending earthquake.

In Japanese mythology, the tall creatures are infamous for being a bad omen, called ‘ryugu no tsukai’ or messengers from God’s palace in the sea.

About a dozen oarfish washed ashore between 2010 and 2011, ahead of the Tohoku earthquake, which killed more than 20,000 people – an argument many mystics used to support the theory.

Its discovery has sparked fear among locals as the rare ribbon-shaped fish is believed by mystics to signal impending earthquakes

Although this folklore claims that their arrival brings disaster, no link between natural disasters and oarfish has ever been scientifically proven.

Villagers immediately contacted local conservationists to rescue the oarfish when it was discovered, but the giant eel-like creature passed by before they reached shore.

Officials have urged residents to remain calm, insisting there is no truth in Japanese folklore.

The Bureau of Municipal Agriculture said: “Upon examination, it was discovered that the oar had suffered serious injuries to his face, including deformities and heavy bleeding.

‘Oarfish, also known as Regalecus glesne, are deep-sea animals characterized by their elongated, ribbon-like bodies.

‘Despite their rarity, oarfish are often associated with myths, such as predicting earthquakes. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this belief, despite occasional chance observations during seismic events.

‘Unfortunately, despite attempts to save him, the injured oar was pronounced dead and subsequently buried. This incident reminds us of the importance of understanding and conserving the diverse marine life that lives in our oceans.”

Oarfish live in warmer and more tropical regions at ocean depths up to 3,280 feet.

Although the large and very elongated creature tends to thrive in deeper waters, they struggle to survive when swept by turbulent currents into shallower waters.

They feed mainly on small fish, plankton and squid.

This comes after a giant oarfish was spotted by a diver off the coast of Taiwan.

The giant oarfish with glittering silver scales was spotted eerily standing upright near Taipei’s Ruifang district.

It appeared to have several holes in its body that were believed to be bites inflicted while escaping a shark attack.

The Municipal Agriculture Bureau has urged locals in Leyte province to remain calm, saying there is no truth behind Japanese folklore surrounding the elongated fish.

One diver reached out to stroke the oarfish – colloquially known as an ‘earthquake fish’ – which flinched when touched.

Diving instructor Wang Cheng-Ru, who captured the encounter, said: ‘I was diving with the group and we immediately recognized the earthquake fish. It was a very special encounter, because I have never seen one in real life.

‘There were holes in the body of the oar, probably caused by a shark attack. I hope this isn’t a bad omen.’

The diving instructor said the giant fish was at the surface because it was probably dying after the attack.