In the tiny town of Seldovia, Alaska, a whale-sized act of kindness unfolded on the rocky shores of Kachemak Bay, and it all started with a 15-foot minke whale stranded at low tide.
Believed to be poisoned by an algal bloom, the young whale was in a life-threatening position. Typically, a beached whale can drown in just 10 to 20 minutes. But this whale held on for six hours, thanks to the heroic efforts of locals who refused to give up.
A group of around 15 townspeople formed a bucket brigade, splashing seawater on the whale’s soft underbelly and draping wet towels over its scratched skin to keep it from burning in the sun.
“I just went out as fast as I could, not really knowing what to expect,” said Stephen Payton, the Seldovia Village Tribe’s environmental coordinator. It was his first live whale rescue in 10 years. “Luckily, one of the locals was able to pick me up on a four wheeler and drive me.”
As the tide rolled back in, the massive animal, likely weighing more than 3 tons, finally wriggled free. It was spotted swimming and spouting for days after its return.
“We are grateful for the calm presence and respect shown by those nearby during this time,” wrote the Seldovia Tribe on Facebook. “Moments like these remind us of the powerful connection between our community and the natural world around us.”
Sometimes, all it takes to save a life is a little water, a lot of heart, and one very determined community.
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