Turtle Journal

Cape Cod Today reports, “Whale stranded on Eastham beach dies“

02/05/09 · 1:06 pm :: posted by editor

Finback Whale Strands on Eastham Beach by David Curran

EASTHAM – Members of the International Fund for Animal Welfare’s (IFAW) marine mammal rescue team examined a dead 40-foot male finback whale on the ice at Dyer Prince Beach in Eastham.  When first discovered Thursday morning, the whale was alive. 

Finback whales are long and streamlined and second only to the blue whale in size and weight. Their sleek build enables them to swim up to 23 mph.  Adult males can grow up to 80 feet and weigh up to 70 tons.  Like other baleen whales, finbacks feed on krill and small fish.  They are most commonly seen along the coast of New England from March to November.

It has been a busy past few days for the team.  Four dolphins stranded themselves in Eastham Wednesday and were released by CCSN in Provincetown that afternoon.  Also on Wednesday, a minke whale was spotted in Wellfleet Harbor.  The harbormaster was able to direct it back out to sea before CCSN arrived.

The Cape Cod Stranding Network, an IFAW project, maintains a 24-hour stranding hotline. To report a dolphin, whale or seal in distress, call 508-743-9548.  The network offers tips for those who encounter such an animal.

Finback Whale Strands in Eastham on Outer Cape

Photo by David Curran

Caution:  A more graphically disturbing video of the stranded whale was captured by the Cape Cod Times video team below.  Viewer discretion is advised.

Click Here to View Video in High Quality

Finback Whale Discovered on Dyer Prince Beach in Eastham

Video by Cape Cod Times

This entry was posted on Friday, February 6th, 2009 at 7:58 am and is filed under Marine Mammals. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.