On November 9, 1970, a 45-foot-long sperm whale washed ashore at Florence on the central Oregon Coast, weighing an estimated 8 short tons. The Oregon Highway Division, responsible for removing the carcass, consulted with the United States Navy and decided to use dynamite to disintegrate the whale, assuming the resulting pieces would be small enough for scavenger animals to consume.
What Happened: The Exploding Whale Incident
George Thornton, the engineer in charge of the operation, was tasked with removing the whale. Despite a military veteran with explosives training warning that the planned twenty cases of dynamite was excessive, Thornton proceeded with the original plan. On November 12, at 3:45 p.m., the dynamite was detonated, and the resulting explosion sent large pieces of blubber flying towards buildings and parking lots. The blast was so powerful that it created a hole in the sand under the whale, and some chunks of blubber were blown back towards the onlookers and their cars.
The explosion was filmed by KATU news, and the footage would later become infamous. Reporter Paul Linnman’s voice-over joked that “land-lubber newsmen” became “land-blubber newsmen” due to the blast. The incident was widely reported, and the exploding whale phenomenon gained notoriety.
The Exploding Whale: Historical Context
The 1970 incident was not an isolated event. In 1928, an attempt to preserve a whale carcass failed due to faulty chemical usage, resulting in an explosion. This incident, although lesser-known, highlights the challenges of disposing of whale carcasses. The International Whaling Commission has approved the use of explosives in emergency situations, but the practice has been criticized for its long-lasting odor and potential environmental impact.
In the 1970s, the world was experiencing a heightened awareness of environmental issues, and the exploding whale incident served as a cautionary tale about the importance of responsible waste management. The environmental movement was gaining momentum, and the incident sparked discussions about the need for more sustainable practices.
Impact and Aftermath of the Exploding Whale
The explosion had a lasting impact on the community, with the odor lingering for some time. The incident also led to changes in the way whale carcasses were disposed of in Oregon. When 41 sperm whales beached nearby in 1979, state parks officials burned and buried them instead of using explosives.
The incident also had a personal impact on George Thornton, who was promoted to the Medford office several months after the incident. However, the incident would haunt him, and he would later reflect on the lessons learned from the exploding whale.
Modern Perspective on the Exploding Whale
The exploding whale phenomenon has been referenced in popular culture, including in the TV show “The Simpsons” and the film “Reno 911!: Miami.” The incident has also been honored by the Eugene Emeralds of Minor League Baseball in 2023.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible waste management and the unintended consequences of human actions. As we continue to navigate the complexities of environmental conservation, the exploding whale incident remains a cautionary tale about the need for careful planning and consideration.
In recent years, there have been efforts to develop more sustainable methods for disposing of whale carcasses, including the use of anaerobic digestion. As we move forward, it is essential to remember the lessons learned from the exploding whale incident and strive for more environmentally friendly practices.