The number of dead seals found washed ashore on the coast of Namibia has risen to more than 7,000, non-profit group Ocean Conservation Namibia (OCN) said according to a report by Reuters.

OCN said that thousands of dead seal pups had washed ashore at Pelican Point peninsula last week, a tourist destination known for its colony of seals and school of dolphins.

However, according to Naude Dreyer, a marine biologist at OCN, investigations in the past week had revealed a spike in the number of dead female adults.

Speaking to Reuters, Dreyer said investigations had mainly centred on the Pelican Point Beach, so the overall number of dead seals could be higher.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources said last week it would send samples to South Africa to determine the cause of death. Dreyer said this had not yet been done because of the need to observe strict guidelines on shipping dangerous animal products.

(With input from Reuters)