RRI.CO.ID, Mamuju - A four-meter false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) was successfully rescued and guided back into deep waters after stranding at Bajoe Beach in Polewali Mandar Regency, West Sulawesi, on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

The marine mammal rescue was initiated after Sanusi, the local head of Bajoe Hamlet in Binuang Subdistrict, alerted conservationists to the stranded whale. Upon receiving the report, a founder of local conservation group Sahabat Penyu, Muhammad Yusri, dispatched a team to evaluate the animal's condition and coordinate rescue efforts alongside local residents and officers from the Polewali Mandar Police Water Unit (Satpolair).

During preliminary physical examinations, responders noted that the four-meter mammal appeared weakened and sustained several visible wounds across its body.

The field operation encountered multiple environmental hurdles, including low tide conditions, strong easterly winds, and a lack of specialized rescue gear. Local residents had initially attempted to push the whale back into open water, but its weakened state caused it to wash back ashore.

Emphasizing the delicate nature of marine mammal rescues, conservation experts underscored the critical need for proper handling protocols and community awareness. Muhammad Yusri, affectionately known as Yusri Mampie, highlighted the importance of technical knowledge and adequate equipment when dealing with stranded marine life.

"Handling stranded marine mammals requires proper techniques so as not to worsen their condition, with proper handling and adequate equipment support, the animal's chances of returning to its habitat will be much greater" Yusri said on Thursday, July 23, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Yusri noted that the event serves as a clear reminder that coastal communities require continuous education regarding initial emergency procedures for stranded marine wildlife.

Following the successful towing of the false killer whale back into deep ocean waters using boats, Sahabat Penyu confirmed that field teams will maintain monitoring operations off the coast. "On Friday we will still monitor the post-evacuation developments to ensure that the whale is truly out in the open sea," Yusri added. ***