Published 11/16/25 at 6:35 a.m. – Updated 8:59 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Yachats, Oregon) – A flood of witnesses are reporting a stranded humpback whale in the surf at Yachats on the central Oregon coast, a situation that drew crowds even in the middle of the night. LATEST: Official word “OSP is on-scene and advising people to remain clear of the animal.” Due to traffic, parking issues and safety. Beach appears to be cleared out of people as of 8:30 a.m. NOTE: there is nothing experts can do with a 50-ton whale.

According to Julie Conrad with the Oregon Coast Killer Whale Monitoring Program – and a variety of social media posts – the humpback whale has drawn a small army of individuals trying to keep the whale hydrated. It is caught in some kind of fishing line, but there are reports that has been cut away from the whale.

Oregon Coast Beach Connection has been able to confirm with Oregon State Police that it was on scene late Saturday night, but we are still awaiting more updates from OSP. The public is urged to stay away by experts, however.

Conrad noted there is limited parking at this access and these spots will be needed by whale professionals as soon as soon as they arrive. The Marine Mammal Stranding Network knows of the incident and at least one professional will get to this spot sometime Sunday morning.

Both Conrad and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network are urging the public to stay clear of the site and the whale.

See video of the whale stranding.

The crush of vehicles is causing some traffic issues as well.

Conrad acknowledges this is an emotional subject, but she says those trying to help are putting themselves in harm’s way.

See some photos, reports at Discovering Depoe Bay

“While people may have the best intentions, they could cause more harm than good, and they’re putting themselves and first responders in danger,” she said on a whale watching site. “In addition, being within a hundred yards of a whale is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. These federal laws exist for the safety and wellbeing of the animals and people. Trained professionals will be out at first light, and parking in the area is limited. Please reserve parking for the professionals.”

There are unconfirmed reports it has a broken pectoral fin.

Conrad admits it’s a hard fact to swallow, but this is a part of nature – and the ecosystem.

“While it can be very difficult to observe, it’s important to keep the big picture in mind. If the whale succumbs to its injuries, it will become food for the ecosystem, and provide nutrients to the environment,” she said.

NOTE: Oregon Coast Beach Connection is being extremely careful on what it reports at this time. There are a lot of emotional posts out there and statements that can’t be absolutely confirmed.

More updates will follow.

– Yachats Maps and Virtual Tours

BELOW: PHOTOS OF PAST HUMPBACK WHALE MOMENTS ON OREGON COAST

 




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