State warns public to stay away from Sand Island after whale carcass removal
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.
The public is asked to refrain from entering waters at Sand Island State Recreation Area after a decomposing sperm whale carcass was removed from the area today.
Multiple agencies helped remove the carcass from waters fronting the Sand Island State Recreation Area. The state said “whale material” remains in the area.
A Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement boat began towing the whale out to sea this morning. It was released into deep ocean water, about 15 miles off Oahu’s south shore, nearly four hours later.
Large tiger sharks were later seen feeding on the carcass.
The carcass was first spotted off-shore from Kewalo Basin on Thursday. It ended up on the reef on the Ewa end of the park on Friday.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Mammal Response Program, University of Hawaii stranding team, Ocean Safety & Lifeguard Services, U.S Geological Survey and a Hawaiian cultural practitioner assisted in the removal.
