State warns public to stay away from Sand Island whale carcass
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Boaters observe a carcass of a dead sperm whale on Friday at Sand Island. Hawaii DLNR advises the public to avoid the surrounding ocean area as the dead whale has attracted sharks.
State officials advised the public to stay out of the waters at the Sand Island State Recreation Area due to the presence of sperm whale carcass which may attract sharks.
The carcass was first spotted off-shore from Kewalo Basin on Thursday, and is now “hard-a-ground” next to the Sand Island State Recreation Area, which is under the jurisdiction of the Division of State Parks. Signs will be posted indicating it is closed.
On Thursday, Honolulu Ocean Safety posted a photo of the carcass on Instagram, saying it was last spotted by the Kalihi Channel near Sand Island.
State Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers are working with Honolulu’s Ocean Safety and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Mammal Response team on plans to try to remove the carcass on Saturday.
Officials said the team was able to get a strap around the carcass’ jaw today, and hopes to be able to tow it out to sea on Saturday.
