On November 9th of 1970, a 45-foot sperm whale washed ashore in Florence, Oregon. Officials decided to dispose of the carcass using dynamite, thinking the explosion would disintegrate the whale into small pieces for scavengers to consume. However, the blast sent massive chunks of blubber flying, damaging cars and buildings. This bizarre incident has since become a legendary example of how not to deal with beached whales.
The whale’s decomposition posed a significant health hazard and the local authorities were at a loss for an effective solution. The Oregon Highway Division, responsible for beach maintenance, took charge. George Thornton, an engineer with the division, was tasked with the unusual problem. After consulting with the U.S. Navy, the decision was made to use half a ton of dynamite to blast the whale apart. The expectation was that the small pieces would be consumed by seagulls and other scavengers.
On November 12, 1970, crowds gathered to watch the spectacle. However, the explosion did not go as planned. The detonation launched large chunks of blubber into the air, raining down on the spectators and causing significant damage to nearby property, including flattening a car over a quarter-mile away. The area was left with more cleanup work than before, and the stench of decomposing whale lingered. News footage, by KATU-TV of Portland, Oregon, of the event went viral in its time and resurfaces periodically, reminding everyone of this unusual and ill-fated decision. The Exploding Whale incident remains a quirky historical footnote, illustrating how even the best-laid plans can go disastrously wrong.
Florence now celebrates Exploding Whale Day annually at Exploding Whale Memorial Park. In 2024, the public was invited to build an altar for the exploded whale.
This is an image of the Whale on the beach
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