Monday, March 31, 2025

Humpback whale rescued on beach in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

A 10-meter-long, five-tonne humpback whale was discovered on Playas del Mirador beach and rescued Wednesday in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora.

The navy and Civil Protection were called out at about 5 a.m. and found the whale stranded among rocks.

Authorities reported the mammal was 200 meters from the water so about 50 police, firefighters, naval personnel and local residents responded to a call to help it return to the water.

The rescuers worked to keep the mammal hydrated until the tide rose to take it back out to sea. The plan proved effective and the rescuers celebrated as the whale returned to its habitat, having spent about four hours on the beach.

Local head of Civil Protection, Captain Alan Josué Ontiveros López, explained what might have brought the whale to shore. “It was a male juvenile humpback whale, which very possibly was nearby looking for food and unfortunately the low tide” left it stranded, he said.

Rescatan a ballena varada entre rocas en Puerto Peñasco, Sonora

He added that conditions favored the rescue effort. “Fortunately with the help of the military officers, volunteers and the good wave conditions, we were able to return it [to the sea],” he said.

The whale is being monitored to ensure it doesn’t fall victim to another low tide.

With reports from UnoTV and El Universal

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
A phone showing the logo of Shein, the Chinese e-commerce app. Wood background

China vs. USA, embassy edition: Diplomats go head-to-head over e-commerce apps in Mexico

2
Does Mexico have a Shein problem? That's the question that spawned a social media spat between two foreign embassies.
A close-up shot shows a person adjusting an irrigation line in a field to reduce agricultural water waste

Amid deepening drought, Mexico works to reduce agricultural water waste

3
Currently, 76% of water in Mexico used for agriculture — a number the government is working to reduce.
Mexican soldier in camouflage rests with gun

Soldiers involved in 2023 Nuevo Laredo extrajudicial killings sentenced to 40 years in prison

0
Four Mexican soldiers have been sentenced to over 40 years in prison for a shooting in Nuevo Laredo that killed five men in 2023, a rare instance of Mexican military personnel facing civilian trials for human rights abuses.