Coast Guard helps rescue juvenile humpback whale stuck on sandbar off New York's Fire Island

Two juvenile humpback whales stranded on sandbars off New York’s Fire Island returned to open water after rescue efforts that included the U.S. Coast Guard. Coast Guard crews responded to a report around 8:30 a.m., first checking whether the whale was alive by watching it blow from its blowhole. Personnel kept the animal hydrated and used a boat to shield it from nearby vessel traffic while it remained stuck, including spraying water to prevent dehydration or sunburn. After several hours, the whale freed itself as crews monitored the area and coordinated with groups such as the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, Suffolk Marine Patrol, NOAA Fisheries, and the state Department of Environmental Conservation.