Beached Whale Saved in Nayarit
Tara A. Spears
It was a dramatic rescue that had a thrilling result: the Gray Whale that was stranded on a sandbar was freed after three days of intense effort by fishermen, government agencies, and the Mexican Marines. When local fishermen first recognized that the whale was struck and struggling, they immediately tried to help and tried to lift it to no avail. It is unusual for a whale to strand in Nayarit but this week one was stuck on a sandbar during low tide near the coastal village of Palmar de Cuaulta canal which is about 45 minutes north of the port of San Blas. A whale of approximately 10 meters became trapped and that prompted a large-scale response from authorities, residents and fishermen to help the animal return to the sea.
In recent years beached whales have captured the attention and concern of people around the world. These majestic creatures, often found stranded along shorelines, evoke a mixture of curiosity, empathy, and urgency for their well-being. To add urgency to the situation is the fact that the Gray Whale is endangered in Mexican waters. How long any stranded cetacean can survive depends on several environmental factors, but there is a need to get it released as soon as possible. This dire situation induced empathy, respect for nature, and a cooperative effort by humans to save this whale. The rescue efforts lasted for three days to keep the whale alive and get it into deeper water.
From day one, PROFEPA Nayarit, (Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection), and local volunteers worked to keep the whale’s skin moist and raise it up. Unfortunately, the whale was in water only about a meter deep. Its great weight prevented the fishermen from towing it out to sea so the Mexican Navy sent a larger vessel to help out. Efforts were successful to refloat the whale and guide it to a deeper area within the channel. However, during the maneuvers, the whale’s size and the force of the current caused the mooring lines used to guide it to break, causing the whale to drift back into shallow water and become stranded again in the Agua Brava lagoon. The rescue workers were devastated but didn’t give up. The rescue efforts immediately resumed, and the whale was freed again at approximately 8:00 p.m., after which it was once more guided back to the open sea. This time, the whale managed to free itself from the mooring lines and began to move on its own toward the mouth of the canal, heading out to sea. Finally, the animal was able to swim away safe and sound, to the delight of everyone present.
They did it! After a tremendous effort that lasted three days, the whale that was in danger off the coast of Nayarit was rescued safe and sound. This miracle at sea would not have been possible without the extraordinary teamwork and collective will. The success of the operation was due to the perfect coordination between: Members of the Navy, who contributed their experience and equipment; PROFEPA personnel, ensuring the animal’s well-being at all times; the local fishermen, whose knowledge of the sea was key; and the committed citizens from area towns, who didn’t hesitate to join in the effort.
This week the story had a happy ending. But we need to have rescue protocols in place before the next time. What happened in Nayarit offers another reflection: those that are concerned about the ocean and its inhabitants, as well as the agencies tasked with defending the sea life need to be alert and prepared because the oceans are changing. Cases of disoriented, sick, or trapped marine animals near human areas are becoming increasingly common. Scientists warn that climate change, marine pollution, and the alteration of ocean currents caused by humans could be behind these behaviors.
In this emergency situation, it was citizens, authorities, and volunteers that came together to save a life. Protecting wildlife should be a priority for all. “The whale teaches us that our ocean is alive, rich, and filled with incredible creatures.” Jean-Michel Cousteau
