Why were compressed-air pumps used on whale carcasses?

In the context of modern whaling, compressed-air pumps were used on whale carcasses to ensure they remained buoyant while awaiting collection.1

Many large whale species, such as rorquals, are naturally heavy and tend to sink after death. By inflating the carcasses with compressed air—an innovation introduced by the Norwegian whaler Svend Foyn—whalers could keep the animals afloat on the surface of the water. This technique was essential for maintaining the efficiency of modern whaling operations, as it allowed crews to secure their catch and prevent the loss of the carcass before it could be towed to a shore station or factory ship for processing.1