Stranded Right Whale is Removed from Cow Bay

The young right whale was found by a walker Sunday.
The young right whale was found by a walker Sunday. Ray Ewing
  • The young right whale was found by a walker Sunday.
  • A location beacon was attached the previous day in case the whale moved during the night.
  • NOAA said a rope appeared to be entangled near the whale's tail.
  • A NOAA official walks past the dead right whale Wednesday.
  • IFAW team prepares to begin operations.
  • Misty Niemeyer (Stranding Coordinator) for IFAW.
  • Tugboat Thuban waits in the bay to start pulling.
  • Brian Sharp of IFAW does some shoveling in the downtime.
  • IFAW team meticulously checks and documents the whale.
  • Attaching the towing line to the tail.
  • Alice June Thompson (center) reacts to seeing the whale.
  • Rob Morrison (right) of the Edgartown Shellfish Department transports IFAW team members to other various vessels.
  • Beginning to pull.
  • A buoy line fails under the intense force.
  • A tug boat was called into service to help move the carcass.
  • More shoveling was needed.
  • Getting the dead whale out of Cow Bay proved a struggle.
  • The Thuban arrives with its cargo at Martha's Vineyard Shipyard in Vineyard Haven harbor.
  • Thuban crew helping to pull whale into position, Billy Mabie (center).
  • IFAW team positions the carcass with a small skiff.
  • IFAW team positions the carcass with a small skiff.
  • The right whale arrives in Vineyard Haven harbor before being trucked to Aquinnah.
  • In position under the boat hoist at Martha's Vineyard Shipyard.
  • The whale was dropped on the first attempt.
  • The whale is pulled from the water in Vineyard Haven.
  • Evidence of entanglement still present around the tail.
  • A tarp-covered truck bed waits for the whale.
  • Necropsy is performed in Aquinnah.

Friday, February 2, 2024

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