Stranded and Struggling Humpback Whale on Central Oregon Coast Draws Crowds Overnight

Published 11/16/25 at 6:35 a.m. - Updated 8:30 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Yachats, Oregon) – LATEST STORY: Latest on Oregon Coast Humpback Whale: Possible New Rescue Attempt, Not Expected to Live

A flood of witnesses are reporting a stranded humpback whale in the surf at Yachats on the central Oregon coast, a situation that drew crowds even in the middle of the night. UPDATE: One group has devised a pulley system to attempt rescue. Whale researchers caution this rarely works. They have left but may try again in daylight.

Official word from State Police: "OSP is on-scene and advising people to remain clear of the animal."

No decision made but euthanasia distinct possibility. Nothing experts can do. - See what they had to do previous incident https://www.beachconnection.net/news/babywh081519.php

From NOAA / Marine Mammal Stranding Network:

NOAA Fisheries is working with West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network partners to respond to a live entangled humpback whale that stranded on the beach near Yachats, Oregon on November 15. We are assessing the situation with trained and authorized responders. We appreciate the assistance of Oregon State Parks, and we ask onlookers to stay a safe distance from the whale so trained responders can access and assist the animal as possible. - (Michael Milstein)

NOTE: there is nothing experts can do with a 50-ton whale.

STATEMENT FROM Carrie Newell
Whale Research Eco Excursions

“I am sure all of you have by now heard about the live beached humpback whale off Yachats. This is a very sad situation. The humpback is a wild animal and please, under no circumstances, approach the whale. Not only is this endangering your life but it is also causing stress to the animal. Whales were designed to live in the water and a beached whale therefore is not bouyed up by the water so the internal organs are being compressed which is causing additional complications. This in itself can be life-threatening to the whale. Additionally, whales are covered by a thick layer of blubber which holds heat in the body. In the ocean, this is essential. When beached on land, they can overheat."

She echoes the idea that nothing can be done with a full grown baleen whale.

Oregon State Parks has acknowledged professionals are on scene attempting to evaluate. Public should stay away. "For your safety, please keep your distance and do not attempt to assist. Approaching the whale puts you and first responders at risk. Keeping your distance makes a big difference."

Please be aware of the rumors: the team is not here to euthanize the whale.

Background Story:

According to Julie Conrad with the Oregon Coast Killer Whale Monitoring Program – and a variety of social media posts – the humpback whale has drawn a small army of individuals trying to keep the whale hydrated. It is caught in some kind of fishing line, but there are reports that has been cut away from the whale.

Oregon Coast Beach Connection has been able to confirm with Oregon State Police, Oregon State Parks and Marnine Mammal Stranding Network that the public is urged to stay away by experts, however.

Conrad noted there is limited parking at this access and these spots will be needed by whale professionals as soon as soon as they arrive. The Marine Mammal Stranding Network knows of the incident and at least one professional will get to this spot sometime Sunday morning.

All involved, including Conrad and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network, are urging the public to stay clear of the site and the whale.

See video of the whale stranding.

The crush of vehicles is causing some traffic issues as well.

Conrad acknowledges this is an emotional subject, but she says those trying to help are putting themselves in harm's way.

See some photos, reports at Discovering Depoe Bay

“While people may have the best intentions, they could cause more harm than good, and they're putting themselves and first responders in danger,” she said on a whale watching site. “In addition, being within a hundred yards of a whale is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. These federal laws exist for the safety and wellbeing of the animals and people. Trained professionals will be out at first light, and parking in the area is limited. Please reserve parking for the professionals.”

There are unconfirmed reports it has a broken pectoral fin.

Conrad admits it's a hard fact to swallow, but this is a part of nature – and the ecosystem.

“While it can be very difficult to observe, it's important to keep the big picture in mind. If the whale succumbs to its injuries, it will become food for the ecosystem, and provide nutrients to the environment,” she said.

NOTE: Oregon Coast Beach Connection is being extremely careful on what it reports at this time. There are a lot of emotional posts out there and statements where fact can't be absolutely confirmed.

A similar incident happened in 2019: Baby Whale on Oregon Coast Did Not Make High Tide, Is Euthanized

- Yachats Maps and Virtual Tours

BELOW: PHOTOS OF PAST HUMPBACK WHALE MOMENTS ON OREGON COAST

 

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