Crews Working To Free 2 Humpback Whales Stranded Off Of Long Island

FIRE ISLAND, NY — Crews continued to respond to two stranded whales offshore of Fire Island National Seashore on Wednesday, the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society said in a post to Facebook.

The whales appeared to have stranded on local sandbars during this morning’s low tide, and multiple land and vessel teams are on site monitoring the animals, assessing body condition, and providing supportive care to them.

With the incoming tide this afternoon teams are monitoring to see if the whales will refloat on their own, and ask members of the public to keep a safe distance from these whales on land, in the water, and by air.

"We are continuing to monitor the whales and assess all available options, while considering the safety of the whales and the response teams," the society said, adding that they appreciate the support and coordination of their partners, including, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Village of Saltaire, Fire Island National Seashore, Suffolk County Marine Patrol, and United States Coast Guard, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries.

"We will provide further updates as they are available," the society said.

All dolphins, porpoises, and whales are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes touching, feeding, or otherwise harming these animals illegal.

The best way to help these animals, and keep them and yourself safe, is by calling trained responders, and maintaining a 150-foot distance.

To report strandings of marine mammals and sea turtles in the state, call the state's Stranding Hotline: 631-369-9829.

To report strandings of marine mammals and sea turtles in the northeast, call NOAA’s stranding hotline to be directed to a trained responder in your area: 866-755-6622.