Whale manages to free itself after stranding near K’gari

A second whale drama has occurred near popular, World Heritage-listed K’gari just days after a dead whale was found floating in the Great Sandy Strait.

After being stranded for several hours, the whale was able to free itself and was now swimming in 15 metres of water, according to a statement from DESI.

A whale stranded off the west coast of K’gari has managed to free itself.

A member of the public reported the whale to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation on Thursday with marine park rangers attending the scene, confirming its location in Box Gutter near Moon Point.

The adult humpback whale was 10 to 12m in length.

After being stranded for several hours, the whale was able to free itself and was swimming in 15m of water, according to a statement from DESI.

The whale was in good condition with some minor grazing around its dorsal, the statement read.

Marine park rangers are trained in how to approach these animals when in distress urges and boaties were urged to stay clear of stranded whales to reduce further stress.

After being stranded for several hours, the whale was able to free itself and was now swimming in 15 metres of water, according to a statement from DESI.

It comes after an adult humpback whale was found dead in a secluded location in the Great Sandy Strait earlier this week.

The mammal was found dead near Daydream Island, off K’gari.

During the annual migration, whales can strand or die for different reasons including poor health, injury or predation.

Whenever a whale strands, people are advised to stay away from the animal, the statement from DESI read.

“Whales can carry zoonotic diseases, and people are advised never to touch them,” it read.

“People must be aware that sharks feed on whale carcasses, which can increase the danger if people approach a stranded or deceased whale.”

Deceased or stranded marine life, including whales, should be reported immediately on 1300 130 372.

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