Story perspectives

Tragic Ship Strike: Humpback Whale Washes Ashore in Delaware

1/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A dead humpback whale washed ashore in Bethany Beach, Delaware, on January 11, 2026.
The 32-foot male whale weighed 20,000 pounds and had injuries from a ship strike.
The Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute (MERR) said the whale was buried on the beach because towing to sea was unsafe.
Suzanne Thurman, MERR's executive director, described the incident as tragic and thanked volunteers and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources.

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Story summary

A dead humpback whale washed ashore in Bethany Beach, Delaware, on January 11, 2026.
The 32-foot male whale weighed 20,000 pounds and had injuries from a ship strike.
The Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute (MERR) said the whale was buried on the beach because towing to sea was unsafe.
Suzanne Thurman, MERR's executive director, described the incident as tragic and thanked volunteers and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources.