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Humpback Whale Beached off Chatham, Massachusetts

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On November 7th, 2020 a juvenile Humpback whale became beached off Morris Island, Chatham coast on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. A pilot flying a small plane noticed the whale and reported it. Shortly after the report rescue teams were on the scene, including IFAW, Chatham Harbor Master, Harwich Harbor Master, and the US Coast Guard.

Rescue attempts were made by a group of courageous people who braved the chilly waters of Cape Cod in the autumn. As the tide was coming in, rescuers draped burlap bags over the whale to keep the whale cool as well as protect it from sunburn. They attached tow gear to the whale and tried to pull it to deeper waters with a boat. Many attempts were made as the whale and the crew became exhausted.

The currents and shoals in this area, the south coast of Chatham and the north coast of Monomoy Island, are constantly shifting. Probably one of the most dynamic shifting sands in the USA. One observer of the rescue noted that this place is probably the worst possible area for a whale to beach itself.

Rescuers worked hard to save the whale till sunset. They were unable to tow the whale out to sea. The whale was pronounced dead the next morning.

To contribute to the IFAW, please check out this link:
https://secure.ifaw.org/united-states/give-to-solve?ms=UONDF210001101&cid=7013k0000010meI&gclid=Cj0KCQiAy579BRCPARIsAB6QoIYP5hIhTQZuG89c7IupZlUZjUiKcu4jGPhL9fcpJ0ruebMdmdztydMaAlWzEALw_wcB

To report stranded whales or other marine animals in distress please contact these organizations below::

- In Massachusetts from Plymouth south to Rhode Island, including Cape Cod, please call the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)’s hotline at (508) 743-9548.

- In Massachusetts on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, please call the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Northeast Region (NOAA)’s hotline at 866-755-NOAA (6622).

- In Massachusetts from Plymouth north to the New Hampshire border, please call the New England Aquarium‘s hotline at (617) 973-5247.
Outside of Massachusetts, please visit the NOAA Stranding Networks web page to find your authorized beach response agency, or call your local police department.

Check out this extensive National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website for more resources regarding marine animal rescue:

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/report
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