A young humpback whale, roughly 1 to 2-year-old, was spotted near San Marine in the US state Oregon over the weekend (US time). Having washed ashore, the mammal now dubbed ‘Hope’ remained beached for 45 hours. It ultimately had to be humanely euthanised on Monday, as per local American news reports and social media posts from the area.
According to NBC Chicago, the juvenile was estimated to weigh between 30,000 and 40,000 pounds. The young one had to euthanised following two-day-long rescue efforts that sought to free it from a crabbing hear it got entangled in on the shore.
Authorities were hoping for young whale to be rescued by the high tide
Officials were hoping that the high tide on Monday would offer the much-needed aid to the 26-foot mammal, allowing it to swim back into the sea. However, respite never came the whale’s way.
Before the animal could rest in peace, local authorities advised the public against approaching the whale as it exposed both the people and those involved in the efforts to risks. On top of that, it would also also have added to the stuck whale’s stress.
As officials awaited Monday’s tide, they provided the young humpback whale with fluids and vitamins to keep its energy rejuvenated. Authorities tried their all to aid the animal’s chances of escaping through the use of harness and pulley, but all went in vain.
Difficulties with rescuing the massive whale
Marine biologist Carrie Newell also pointed to the potential dangers of such a maneuvre in a statement. As per NBC Chicago, she said, “It is practically impossible to tow a whale of that size out to sea. It would do damage to the whale pulling it out and the boats do not have enough power in that shallow of water.”
Similarly, Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University’ Lisa Ballance told local outlet KATU that with the “rapidly” changing situation further complicated the now-failed rescue mission. Moreover, the availability of limited resources acted as another hindrance in successfully pulling the animal out of the fishing net.
“The Juvenile Humpback Whale, who was beached for 45 hours in Yachats, Oregon, has been humanely euthanised as of 3:00 PM Monday, November 17, 2025,” read a post by Discovering Depoe Bay Oregon.
Social media also prayed for the humpback whale ‘Hope’
Looking at how rescue efforts for one whale had brough the community together “in way that the worlds needs more of,” the organisation added, “If love alone could have lifted this whale back into the sea, it would have.”
Even the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) issued a statement, pointing toward euthanasia being the most humane way to put the whale to rest. “The prolonged period of time onshore had left the whale weak and unlikely to survive,” the agency said. “Veterinarians euthanised the whale late afternoon on November 17. Responders will conduct a necropsy to assess the animal’s overall health and help determine why it [was] stranded.”
The sad update has left the Internet reeling with grief as well, with many “praying for a miracle.” ORCA, the non-profit environmental conservation organisation dedicated to rescuing marine like in the SF Bay Area, also shared the heartbreaking news recently. It further confirmed that ‘Hope’ was a male whale.
Rest in peace, Hope.