Deceased Humpback Whale Found at Dock Point

Deceased what on the beach on the south side of Dock Point. Photo by Valdez Marine Safety Unit, U.S. Coast Guard

May 22, 2025

Molly Walker-CRR Staff

On May 12, a deceased humpback whale was found near Dock Point Beach in Valdez.  In the hours that followed, members of the Valdez community came out in droves despite the rain to witness this rare event. 

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), reports were received through the Alaska Stranding Network that a whale was discovered floating dead in the waters near Valdez. Upon further inspection, it was determined to be a male yearling approximately 25 feet in length. 

“We authorized Valdez Harbor Master personnel to tow the whale close to shore on the south side of Dock Point, where the whale would be exposed at low tide to allow for a necropsy. The information gathered during necropsies is essential to understanding the animals' health and possible stressors experienced by marine mammals, which can help humans mitigate potential threats,” said Jennifer Angelo, Public Affairs Officer for NOAA fisheries in Alaska.  

News of the whale spread via Facebook and word-of-mouth around town. The Valdez Police Department sent out an alert urging visitors to not touch the whale so as to avoid potential disease risk. Upon arriving at Dock Point, cars were parked along both sides of the road with police vehicles maintaining a presence as well.

The somber mood on the beach was tinged with awe and curiosity. People of all ages stood around the whale; some holding umbrellas, some taking photos, all talking amongst themselves about this unforgettable experience. 

The following day, a team from Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services (AVPS) in Anchorage arrived in Valdez to complete a necropsy, also known as an animal autopsy, on the whale in hopes of determining the cause of death. 

“Volunteers with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, U.S. Coast Guard, and the local community assisted AVPS to examine this freshly dead whale.The necropsy team was able to collect many fresh and valuable samples to better understand this whale’s health, and possibly identify the cause or causes of death. Analyses on samples conducted in Alaska will be completed in a month or two. However, most samples will be shipped to laboratories out of state, requiring months before results are provided to the necropsy team. We plan to provide an update on the humpback whale’s health when results are available. At this time, a definitive cause of death has not been determined. It will take time to analyze the samples to learn more about the health of this young humpback whale,” said Angelo. 

One of those local community members who assisted AVPS in the necropsy was Joshua Duong, a senior at Valdez High School. 

“I am a professional fish cutter during the summer season at Valdez Small Boat Harbor. One of the city workers went to see the whale and the necropsy team asked for someone to help with gathering samples. I was highly recommended and Natalie, the manager of the necropsy team, granted me great hands-on experience with this almost once-in-a-lifetime experience for an 18-year-old! I collected all sorts of samples, (including) the humpback whale's liver, heart, kidney, and several fecal samples,” explained Duong.

While the AVPS team completed their tests, third grade students from Hermon Hutchens Elementary School were visiting Dock Point for their annual beach day field trip. They were given the opportunity to observe and ask questions about their work. 

“I got to see them dissecting the whale. It was smaller than I thought it would be from the pictures. I saw them cutting into the dorsal fin on top and cutting barnacles off of it. I learned that they have to take lots of samples from the whale so they can learn where the whale is from and how it passed away,” said HHES third grade student, Caroline Cabello. 

Living in coastal Alaska, whales can be an exciting, yet common sight, especially with ready access to a boat. While many long to see whales up close, deceased on land is not typically what they have in mind. However, this event brought Valdezeans a unique, shared community experience that many will remember for years to come. 

A reminder from NOAA: If you see a stranded, injured, entangled, or dead marine mammal, call the NOAA Fisheries Alaska Statewide 24-hour Stranding Hotline at 877-925-7773. 

For more information, visit https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov.