Juvenile humpback whale washes up dead on Sunshine Coast beach

A six metre long humpback whale carcass has been found washed up on a beach in Queensland, with researchers yet to determine the cause of the creature’s death.

Reports of a whale carcass floating between Point Cartwright and Mudjimba near the Sunshine Coast came in at about 4pm on Tuesday, prompting crews from Sunshine Coast Council to begin tracking its location.

Council workers watched the whale drift across to the northern end of Mooloolaba before it eventually made landfall at Alexandra Headlands before boat crews were able to intervene.

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesman said teams “quickly mobilised to create an exclusion zone at the beach for public safety”.

“The whale was removed at first light on Wednesday and towed 20 nautical miles out to sea,” the spokesman said.

“Our team collected samples and measurements which they will submit to the authorities for research purposes along with a standings report.”

A GPS tracker was fitted to the carcass to monitor its movements, and data is expected to be collected to support future carcass management.

While taking samples, researchers tested the creature for H5 Bird flu, and the cause of death is currently unknown.

Council have urged people to report any stranded whales, alive or dead, to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

“If you see a stranded marine mammal, like a whale, it’s natural to want to rush in and help. But for the safety of yourself and the animal, please keep your distance and report it.”

Originally published as Juvenile humpback whale washes up dead on Sunshine Coast beach