Authorities have removed a deceased juvenile humpback whale that washed ashore between Alexandra Headland and Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast.
The animal was about 6.7 metres long. Council and marine crews worked through the night before moving it at high tide early Wednesday and towing it about 20 nautical miles, or 37 kilometres, offshore.
Samples were collected so specialists can investigate the cause of death. No cause had been announced when the operation was completed.
An exclusion area was used during the response to protect the public and give crews room to work. Authorities asked people to keep a safe distance from stranded or deceased marine animals and follow official directions.
Sources: ABC News; Sunshine Coast News council report.
Image disclosure: The featured image is an AI-generated conceptual editorial illustration, not a photograph of the whale, beach, vessels or responders involved.
