Stranded false killer whale dies after rescue efforts along Seagate Beach in Naples
Updated: 3:05 PM EDT May 22, 2026
A false killer whale was found stranded along Seagate Beach in Naples on Friday.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said its marine mammal response team and other partners responded and assessed the whale’s health. Responding officials used sedation to help calm the whale during the response; however, the whale died shortly afterwards, FWC said.According to FWC, whales can strand for a variety of reasons, but it’s often because they are sick, injured, or disoriented. Also, in some situations, officials said that when an animal is suffering or has a poor prognosis for survival, trained and authorized professionals may determine that the most humane option is euthanasia.FWC also stated that pushing marine mammals back out to sea can delay examination and treatment, and can often result in the animal re-stranding in worse condition.Officials advised people who encounter a stranded or beached marine mammal to contact FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.
NAPLES, Fla. —
A false killer whale was found stranded along Seagate Beach in Naples on Friday.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said its marine mammal response team and other partners responded and assessed the whale’s health.
Responding officials used sedation to help calm the whale during the response; however, the whale died shortly afterwards, FWC said.
According to FWC, whales can strand for a variety of reasons, but it’s often because they are sick, injured, or disoriented. Also, in some situations, officials said that when an animal is suffering or has a poor prognosis for survival, trained and authorized professionals may determine that the most humane option is euthanasia.
FWC also stated that pushing marine mammals back out to sea can delay examination and treatment, and can often result in the animal re-stranding in worse condition.
Officials advised people who encounter a stranded or beached marine mammal to contact FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.