Two Humpback Whales Return to Open Water After Fire Island Response
Two juvenile humpback whales are swimming freely again following an hourslong marine-wildlife response off New York’s Fire Island National Seashore.
Members of the public reported the live-stranded whales on the morning of October 7. Each animal had become trapped on a sandbar during low tide in waters between Saltaire and Ocean Bay Park.
The response brought together NOAA Fisheries, the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, U.S. Coast Guard, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Suffolk County personnel and other local partners.
Responders monitored the whales while waiting for the incoming tide. Crews used water to keep one exposed whale wet and cool, reducing the danger of dehydration and sunburn. A Coast Guard boat also helped prevent other vessels from approaching the animal too closely. ABC News
One whale was stranded for approximately two hours. The second remained on a sandbar from about 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
As water levels rose, both whales were able to move away from the sandbars and return to open water. NOAA subsequently confirmed that both were swimming freely. longisland.news12.com
Responders suggested that shifting sand following a recent coastal storm may have contributed to the strandings, but no definitive cause has been announced.
The operation produced a measurable protective outcome: two living whales survived prolonged strandings and returned to the Atlantic after receiving coordinated monitoring, cooling and protection from vessel traffic.
Officials have not reported whether either animal was tagged or will receive post-release monitoring. Their longer-term condition is therefore unknown.
People who encounter a stranded whale, dolphin, seal or sea turtle should keep their distance and contact trained responders rather than attempting to move the animal. In the Northeast, NOAA’s marine-animal stranding hotline is 866-755-6622.
