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Entangled Humpback Whale Euthanized on Oregon Coast After Failed Rescue

Responders say crab-fishing gear likely caused the stranding.

Overview

  • The juvenile humpback, roughly 26–30 feet long, washed ashore at San Marine near Yachats after becoming caught in fishing lines.
  • Trained teams attempted re-floating with ropes, pulleys, trenching and IV fluids during high tide, but the efforts were unsuccessful.
  • Officials confirmed the whale was euthanized on Monday and said the carcass will be buried at the site.
  • NOAA Fisheries, the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network, State Parks and State Police managed the scene and urged the public to keep away as thousands watched online.
  • Scientists noted the case underscores recurring, underreported entanglements of whales in fishing gear and could still provide useful data despite on-site burial.