A Coast Guard helicopter crew spotted a blue whale swimming underneath a tug boat and barge Thursday afternoon about four miles southwest of the L.A. Port - prompting a broadcast to all mariners in the region to avoid contact with the behemoth.
After disappearing for a few minutes, the whale was spotted again a quarter-mile from the ships and appeared safe. Traffic in the area was moderate.
Blue whales are currently migrating through the area to winter in Baja California. In 2007, three blues were struck and killed by ships between Long Beach and Santa Barbara, and in October, a fin whale carcass was towed into the Port of Long Beach on a container ship bow after being hit.
Blue whales are the world's largest mammals, growing up to 100 feet in length and weighing more than 200,000 pounds.
Mariners and boaters who spot injured whales should call the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at (562) 980-4017.
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
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