Large Whale In New York’s Water Euthanized

A humpback whale that reportedly grew sicker and thinner after being stuck in the shallow waters off the Long Island coast for days has been euthanized. The 20-ton whale was euthanized by veterinarians on Wednesday afternoon in Moriches.

A large crowd had gathered to witness the event, with reports of some of the spectators crying over the fate of the huge creature. According to the joint veterinary team from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the sea mammal had become minimally responsive and showed symptoms of infected and extensive skin injuries as well as neurological abnormalities.

"Based upon these findings, the most humane option was to euthanize the whale since its chance of surviving in the wild was minimal," the team stated. The officials also added that large whales have a tendency to get stranded when they are malnourished or sick.

According to the CNN report, the whale had got stuck in Hart's Cove where the water is only around one to 2 feet deep. Moreover, efforts to free the whale so that it could swim away did not work. Eventually, the whale started to ail. Also, its body began to protrude from the shallow waters and seagulls started to peck on it.

A witness also reportedly added that the whale was emitting sounds similar to a baby crying during the painful ordeal. "You go down there and your heart wrenches for this thing," another resident told CNN affiliate News 12 Long Island.

Incidentally, this was not the same humpback whale that was spotted on three different days in the span of a week in the Hudson River, giving rise to speculations and excitement among New Yorkers. Humpback whales have reportedly been spotted on numerous occasions in the New York Harbor this fall. Meanwhile, a necropsy will be performed on the recently euthanized whale.