A second humpback whale has been found beached north of the Sunshine Coast, but with a notably different outcome.
Rangers responded to reports of a live whale stranded on the shoreline of K’gari in the Great Sandy Marine Park on Thursday.
The 10 to 12m creature was spotted at Box Gutter near Moon Point, by a member of the public who reported it to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.
Rangers conducted a visual inspection of the whale and, after being stranded for several hours, it was able to free itself and move to 15 metres of water.
It was in good condition with some minor grazing around its dorsal.
Another whale was spotted near K’gari earlier this week, when a member of the public saw it beached at Dream Island in the Great Sandy Strait.
That 10-12m humpback was found dead and was ultimately towed 1km away to decompose near mangroves.
Rangers are trained in how to approach whales.
The DESI urged boaties to stay clear of stranded whales to reduce further stress.
“During the annual migration, whales can strand or die for different reasons including poor health, injury or predation,” they stated.
“Whenever a whale strands, people are advised to stay away from the animal.
“Whales can carry zoonotic diseases, and people are advised never to touch them.
“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 to DES on 1300 130 372.”
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