Northeaster brings in and takes out

Nancy White Clark watches as a Fort Clinch State Park Ranger examines a Pilot Whale beached at Fort Clinch State Park.

By Susan Hardee Steger

Nancy White Clark notified the Fernandina Observer that a pilot whale was in distress on Amelia Island's north end. The whale died before Florida Fish and Wildlife (FFW) officials arrived. It is not clear what caused the pilot whale to end up on the Fort Clinch State Park beaches. According to Clark, "There was a huge gash just above its tail" and scrapes in other locations. Clark, who admits she is no expert, speculated "the whale was tossed around on the jetties" perhaps sick and not strong enough to fight heavy currents and the rough sea.  The  FFW said it is rare for a whale, much less a Pilot Whale, to beach itself at this location.

City Commissioner Len Kreger provided a photo taken near the north end jetties showing how the rough surf had sliced into and removed sand from the established dune system.

Red flags were flying on the beaches of Amelia for the last few days as a result of the recent northeaster. Photo courtesy of Len Kreger