A 30-tonne humpback whale has died after being washed ashore on Seven Mile beach on the New South Wales north coast.
The whale became stranded early on Saturday morning and was found by a member of the public on the north end of the Lennox Head beach. It died on Saturday night, about 7pm, with the cause of death still uncertain.
Earlier in the day the adult whale was reported to be in good condition, with authorities from Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (Orrca), Sea World and Ballina Shire Council assisting the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service in trying to get it back to sea.
A desperate mission is unfolding right now to help save a stranded whale at Seven Mile Beach, Lennox Head. NPWS, ORRCA and Sea World are all onsite providing assistance, while it’s hoped the high tide at 5pm can give the whale a chance at refloating. More at 6pm @nbnnews pic.twitter.com/aqSjhXpYlR
— Josephine Shannon (@Josie_Shannon_) July 1, 2023
A spokesperson for the National Parks and Wildlife Service said that first aid for the whale was a high priority.
“First aid for the whale (shade, posture and pain relief) continues to be a priority. Public safety is also of priority and members of the public are asked to please keep away at this time.”
Authorities worked quickly to get the whale some shade and keep it cool, amid a scramble to keep it safe.
A humpback #whale remains stranded at Lennox Head. For the safety of everyone, NPWS asks members of the public to please keep away. Your cooperation is crucial in minimising potential disruptions and allowing our team to focus on the whale's well-being. Our vet @ORRCA_Inc on site pic.twitter.com/foUAE5b6jC
— DPE Environment and Heritage (inc NPWS) (@nswenviromedia) July 1, 2023
Skippy Love from Orrca told Guardian Australia that trenches had been dug around the whale with an excavator, to make it easier for the tide to carry it back out to sea, but added there was still uncertainty about if it would be enough.
“We’re dealing with a 30-tonne animal,” she said.
Authorities were yet to determine how the whale ended up on the beach, with Love saying that without any obvious injury, it could be a disease that has caused it to end up on the beach.
“Being that it’s in good body condition, and there’s no obvious injury like a boat strike or anything like that, it’s hard to determine what has happened.
“Humpbacks tend to strand on their own and it normally indicates that there is some kind of a problem that has occurred to make that happen.”
• This article was amended on 3 July 2023 to make clear the whale was stranded on the NSW north coast, not the mid-north coast.
