Oarfish washes ashore in Oriental Mindoro, revives earthquake myth

An oarfish was discovered along the shores of Barangay Dalahican in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro, on 14 October 2025.

According to a fisherman, the deep-sea fish appeared weakened as it swam toward the shore and died shortly after reaching the shallows.

The oarfish measured about 11 feet long. Residents said it was the first time they had seen such a creature in their area. The fish was later buried near the site where it was found.

Some fishermen speculated that the rare sighting might foretell a strong earthquake, a belief rooted in local folklore. However, scientists have repeatedly debunked this claim.

Experts explain that oarfish sightings have no scientific link to earthquakes or tsunamis. The myth traces its origins to Japanese folklore, which associates the deep-sea fish with seismic activity.

While some past sightings occurred before major quakes, including the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake in Japan, scientific studies have found no correlation between oarfish surfacing and seismic events.