Oregon's exploding whale: A blast from the past with lasting impact
54 years ago, the coast of Oregon was the scene of a remarkable occurrence that has since been dubbed the "Exploding Whale." In 2020, the Oregon Historical Society released footage showcasing this extraordinary event.
IFLScience reports that, under the navy's guidance, the highway patrol decided to dispose of a dead whale on the beach using dynamite. This unconventional method resulted in a "whale meat rain." AV Geeks from Raleigh, North Carolina, documented and upgraded the entire episode to 4 K quality.
Nearly 8 tonnes of meat
In November 1970, a nearly 8-tonne sperm whale was found beached in Oregon. After consulting with the navy, the local highway patrol opted to dispatch the whale remains using an explosion. The strategy involved employing dynamite to disperse most of the whale's body far into the sea. The theory was that smaller, easier-to-digest pieces would be more beneficial for marine life.
Unexpected consequences of the unconventional approach
Despite the consultations, the blast produced effects significantly different from expected. Walt Umenhofer, a businessman proficient in explosives, questioned the highway patrol's strategy, suggesting reduced TNT. Nevertheless, his advice went unheeded, leading to him witnessing the disastrous explosion from a safe distance.
When the dynamite was set off, large pieces of whale blubber were flung across great distances, causing damage to Umenhofer's brand-new car. Journalist Paul Linnman, in narrating the event, likened the explosion to a "massive shot of tomato juice." Strikingly, despite the initial calamity, the Oregon community commemorated this peculiar incident, making it a part of their regional culture.
This strange solution to the problem of a dead whale on an Oregon beach reminds us that novel approaches to problem-solving can have both catastrophic and culturally enriching repercussions.
