Tragic End for Stranded Humpback Whale on Oregon Coast
A young humpback whale stranded off the coast of Oregon was euthanised on Monday following a failed rescue attempt involving multiple organisations and agencies.
Discovery and Initial Rescue Efforts
The juvenile whale was first discovered washed ashore near San Marine state park on Saturday, according to KOMO News reports. Over the weekend, concerned individuals rallied together in an attempt to assist the marine mammal, which appeared to be entangled in fishing netting, though their efforts proved unsuccessful.
By 10am on Sunday, Oregon state police arrived at the scene to clear the area in preparation for a more coordinated rescue mission, which was launched on Monday morning.
Complex Rescue Operation Unfolds
Lisa Ballance from the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University explained to OPB how rescuers attempted to wrap a bridle around the whale and attach it to a boat stationed out at sea, hoping to reorient the animal toward the ocean.
However, as high tide approached, the operation encountered serious difficulties. The rope separated and the bridle slipped off the whale. Ballance described to KATU how the situation was changing "rapidly" and emphasised the complexity of moving such a large animal, particularly given the significant risk of injury.
She further noted that a full-scale rescue effort wasn't feasible due to limited available resources in the challenging coastal environment.
Heartbreaking Outcome
When the attempt to reorient the whale and tow her back to sea proved unsuccessful, a veterinarian made the difficult recommendation that the whale should be euthanised.
"It's a very sad, tragic situation," Ballance stated. "There's no way to spin this positively. I know the general public is heartbroken … It's hard to watch, hard to experience."
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the federal organisation responsible for the stewardship of the nation's ocean resources and their habitat, is expected to release an official statement on the matter later Tuesday.
