Residents and Police Evacuate Stranded False Killer Whale in Polewali Mandar

A false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) was successfully evacuated and released into deep water after becoming stranded on Bajoe Beach in Polewali Mandar Regency, West Sulawesi Province. The stranding was first reported by the head of Bajoe Hamlet, Sanusi, to the Sahabat Penyu foundation. Foundation head Muhammad Yusri said that upon receiving the information, his team immediately went to the location to assist. The evacuation was carried out jointly with local residents and personnel from the Polewali Mandar Police water unit (Polair) using a boat. A preliminary examination showed the whale was approximately four metres long, appeared weak, and had several wounds on its body. The rescue operation faced several obstacles, including a low tide, strong easterly winds, and a lack of supporting equipment. Residents had initially tried to push the whale out to sea, but its weakened condition caused it to become stranded again. Yusri noted that handling stranded marine mammals requires proper techniques to avoid worsening their condition. With appropriate handling and adequate equipment, the chance of the animal returning to its habitat is much greater. Although the whale was successfully evacuated to deep water, the Sahabat Penyu foundation is continuing to monitor the situation to ensure it has safely reached the open sea.