Humpback whale beached near Yachats, officials ask visitors to keep away

UPDATE: The humpback whale that washed ashore on the Oregon Coast over the weekend has now died, despite an intense, days-long rescue effort.

Experts say it’s the first live whale to come ashore in Oregon since 2018.

The young whale, about 26 feet long, washed ashore near San Marine State Park in Yachats after becoming entangled in fishing gear.

Volunteers were able to free the whale from that gear but it remained stranded.

experts say the whale was too large to push back to sea, and options like using slings or creating a channel did not work.

On Monday, rescuers made the decision to euthanize the whale, saying it was the most humane option.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

This article was originally published by our Portland news affiliate, KGW.

YACHATS, Ore. (KGW) -- Officials are asking folks to stay away from a whale near San Marine that beached on Saturday night when it reportedly got tied up in fishing line.

NOAA Fisheries, the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network and Oregon State Police have responded to the scene.

"We are assessing the situation with trained and authorized responders," Michael Milstein, NOAA Public Affairs Officer said. "We ask onlookers to stay a safe distance from the whale so trained responders can access and assist the animal as possible."

Witnesses helped to untangle the whale on Saturday night. It appears to be alive but has been hampered by high tides. People have been digging trenches and keeping the whale under water until it can be assessed by officials.

"For your safety, please keep your distance and do not attempt to assist. Approaching the whale puts you and first responders at risk," the Oregon State Parks department said.

Oregon State Police has been assisting to remove vehicles in the way.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.