Fin Whale Washes Ashore in Fenwick Island

Fran, myself and our 2 dogs walked the beach in utter disbelief at the sight of an enormous whale washed ashore here Sunday. We approached the site from the angle opposite of most photos of the mammal which oddly was the best view Sunday. Regretfully, we didn’t take cameras so will rely on the already posted news photos. By Sunday the whale was completely beached so you could see it in all its majesty…though not smelling so good. Hours later our bichon, Mimi, and my shoes smelled ripe from our day’s adventure.

Sadly, this 60+-ton, 61 foot female fin whale is an endangered species with dwindling numbers in the world today. The fin whale is the 2nd largest species on earth/sea second only to the blue whale. It is known as the greyhound of whale due to its long, thin torso and fast speed. I’m including a link that will tell you more about the species of the historic whale found here in Delaware the first weekend in Spring.

Hopefully, there will be maritime issues raised over 2 endangered whales washing ashore in the same general area in a week, both appearing to have been struck by ships. In Alaska ships must cut engines and have sonar to warn whales away from danger. I hope this issue will be brought to light so we never seen this site on our beaches again!

Check out the American Cetecean Society for more information on fin whales at - 
www.acsonline.org/factpack/finwhl.htm

For more news on visit www.delawareonline.com/article/20100323/NEWS/3230345