Whale carcass towed away from Kane'ohe Bay

Advertiser Staff

The carcass of a sperm whale was removed from the sandbar area in Kane'ohe Bay yesterday, but officials warn that swimmers should stay away from the spot for at least 24 hours — until early this afternoon.

"Sharks are attracted to the carcass and remain in the area," said Delores Clark, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The state's Shark

Task Force recommends that swimmers stay more than a half-mile from the location, Clark said.

NOAA Fisheries and its partners removed the carcass at about 1 p.m. yesterday and will tow it about 20 miles northwest of Kane'ohe Bay, she said. Officials estimated the towing would take eight to 10 hours.

Efforts to remove the 45-foot carcass had been hindered by its size — it weighs between 25 and 30 tons — and its position in a shallow, sandy area. In addition, the theft of an anchor and line used to secure the carcass two nights ago allowed the carcass to drift farther into the bay, making the removal more complicated.

Anyone sighting an entangled or distressed marine mammal should call NOAA Fisheries 24-hour toll-free hotline, (888) 256-9840.