Fin whale discovered stranded in Delaware Bay

LEWES, Del. – Officials say a live fin whale was discovered stranded in the Delaware Bay on Thursday.

Responders with the MERR Institute responded to the bayside of the Point at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, where the whale was reported stranded on a sandbar. Since the initial observation this morning, officials say the whale has moved off the sandbar and closed to shore, rather than into deeper water. The whale reportedly seems to be struggling and in the process of beaching itself.

Biologists are standing by to monitor the animal, and NOAA is working with stranding network partners in the region to develop a response plan, including options for palliative care, sedation, or euthanasia.

Officials say at this time it is unknown what caused the whale to strand but say when large whales come close to shore like this, there is usually an underlying reason such as injury or disease. The team on scene has not identified any obvious injuries at this point.