HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) - A sperm whale that stranded itself on Hilton Head Island, a popular resort destination in South Carolina, was euthanized on Sunday evening after veterinarians assessed its condition and concluded it was beyond rescue. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when the 20-ton (18,000-kilogram) whale came ashore near the Marriott Grand Ocean Resort.

The whale, which was identified as a juvenile, was found to be severely emaciated and unable to survive. In response to the dire situation, veterinarians from the town of Hilton Head Island called in a specialist from the University of Florida, as well as special equipment, to securely sedate the animal before euthanizing it. The decision was made in light of the whale's suffering and poor prognosis for recovery.

In the aftermath, officials confirmed that a necropsy, which is a post-mortem examination for marine animals, would be conducted on the 31-foot (9-meter) whale right there on the beach. The aim of this examination is to determine the underlying reasons for the whale's illness and its subsequent stranding. Following the necropsy, plans were made for the whale to be buried on the beach.

During the waiting period for the specialized veterinary team, local sea turtle patrol members, along with workers from the Georgia Aquarium's veterinary program, provided care for the whale. They managed to keep the creature hydrated with towels and water as they endeavored to assist the stricken marine mammal.

Beach strandings of whales, particularly when they are sick or injured, are not uncommon. According to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, approximately 2,000 whales beach themselves in the United States each year, and the majority of these cases unfortunately result in the death of the whale. Such events highlight the vulnerability of these majestic creatures and indicate broader environmental concerns that may contribute to their health crises and stranding incidents.