This is a photo of the fluke of “Tango,” a humpback whale calf that was found dead on an island near Juneau Friday evening. (Courtesy / Bri Pettie)

This is a photo of the fluke of “Tango,” a humpback whale calf that was found dead on an island near Juneau Friday evening. (Courtesy / Bri Pettie)

Humpback whale calf found dead near Juneau

Body of young male named “Tango” found near Hump Island with injuries.

This is a developing story.

A local humpback whale calf named Tango was found dead Friday evening off the shore of Hump Island near Juneau, according to National Marine Fisheries Service Alaska region officials.

On Saturday biologists and veterinarians conducted a post-mortem exam of the calf following its discovery to determine the cause of death, according to Mandy Keogh, the Alaska region stranding coordinator.

“We were aware of it, and we responded and are investigating the cause of death of the calf as well as any of the surrounding anything that may have contributed to that,” she said. “He is a calf that a lot of people know. We definitely want the public to know that we’re aware of the concerns.”

Tango, a 2023-born calf of a well-known local humpback, Sasha, was discovered and reported by a local whale-watching vessel Friday evening, according to Keogh. On Saturday NOAA officials confirmed the body was located near the small island perpendicular to the National Shrine of St. Thérèse, beyond Shelter Island, and began an exam and investigation.

Keogh said a preliminary examination showed some injuries on Tango’s body and there was a report of a potential vessel strike in the area on Thursday. She said it’s unclear if Tango was involved in the strike, or if it caused or contributed to his death as the investigation is ongoing.

“One of the points of our examination is to determine whether or not it was something that would be associated with the cause of death or something that might have happened at a carcass afterward,” she said. “So we don’t know if that’s associated or if it’s a separate event at this time.”

She noted NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the potential interaction at this time.

According to Sam Dapcevich, spokesperson for Alaska Marine Highway System, on Thursday a passenger of the LeConte reported to NOAA that the ferry had struck a whale. Dapcevich said the vessel master reported that the ferry did indeed hit something, but said there were no signs of a whale strike.

“AMHS staff have been communicating with NOAA about the situation,” he said.

As of Monday afternoon, it remained undetermined if the LeConte’s reported strike was of Tango.

Marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, meaning people cannot collect parts or any tissues from a marine mammal, unless they are an Alaska Native and are using it for subsistence or handcraft, or have specific permits through NOAA.

Keogh encouraged people to steer clear of the area to respect the examination and to stay safe from any dangers from potential scavengers.

Keogh said people can contact the Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network 24-hour hotline number at (877) 925-7773 with any information regarding Tango’s death, or any other report about distressed, entangled or dead marine mammals.

• Contact reporter Clarise Larson at clarise.larson@juneauempire.com or (651) 528-1807.

More in News

The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore docks in Juneau in October, 2022. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Ships in Port for t​​he Week of Sept. 23

Here’s what to expect this week.

A person departs Bartlett Regional Hospital on July 26, a day after a board of directors meeting raised issues about the hospital’s leadership and quality of care, with then-CEO David Keith resigning a week later. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File)
New Bartlett CEO has lots of experience with mergers, transitions as hospital confronts struggles

Meanwhile former CEO still getting paid for post-resignation ‘transition’ despite leaving the state.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Police calls for Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Former Coppa Cafe co-owner Marc Wheeler and current owner Maddie Kombrink smile for a picture at the downtown cafe Wednesday morning. Last week the cafe celebrated its 10-year anniversary in Juneau. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
‘It’s a wonderful milestone’: Coppa Cafe celebrates a decade of service in Juneau

Ten years is just the beginning, says current and past owners.

Ian Worden addresses Bartlett Regional Hospital’s board of directors via Zoom during a meeting Tuesday night where he was subsequently hired as the new interim chief executive officer. He is expected to begin the job within a month. (Screenshot from Bartlett Regional Hospital video)
Bartlett Regional Hospital, during unusual board meeting, makes yet another interim CEO hire

Longtime Seattle-area executive unanimously chosen as hospital’s third leader in past two months.

Lt. Krag Campbell with the Juneau Police Department smiles for a photo Tuesday evening outside of City Hall. Campbell is one of two finalists seeking the chief position at the department. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Juneau officer seeking department’s top spot says 21 years in community an asset

Lt. Krag Campbell one of two finalists for chief of police.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Police calls for Monday, Sept. 25, 2023

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat who became the first Alaska Native in Congress a year ago, discusses issues and adjusting to the national political scene on Sept. 8 as part of a three-day visit to Juneau. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
A year after surprising victory, Peltola a popular target in Congress

Spending 9/11 with Biden, being top target of GOP now part of job while dealing with family matters.

Most Read