Kiama Photographer's Quick Action Aids Stranded Melon-Headed Whale Rescue

On July 8, 2025, shortly after sunrise, Belinda Doyle, a photographer from Kiama, spotted what she initially thought was a dolphin struggling in the shallow waters of City Beach in Wollongong. Equipped with her drone and camera, Doyle was there to capture the beauty of nature as the sun rose over the horizon. However, her keen observation quickly turned into a critical rescue operation when she realized the creature was in distress.

Doyle, who has dedicated over a decade to capturing marine life through photography, had been hoping to photograph a whale during the annual migration along the coast. This year, the migration was particularly promising, with an estimated 40,000 whales making their way along what is known as the "humpback highway." As she scanned the waters, she noticed something unusual breaking the surface just 30 meters offshore. Initially mistaking it for seaweed, she soon discerned a fin, prompting her to launch her drone for a closer examination.

"It became really obvious, really quickly that something was wrong," Doyle recounted. After identifying the struggling creature as a melon-headed whale, she promptly contacted ORRCA (the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia). ORRCA is a volunteer-run organization focused on the rescue of marine mammals, and Doyle's quick thinking allowed for immediate action.

"They answered straight away, and with the drone footage and GPS coordinates, we were able to respond quickly," said Doyle. Rescuers from ORRCA and the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) arrived within half an hour of her call, confirming the identification of the distressed whale.

Despite their efforts, which included administering first aid, the whale could not be saved and was humanely euthanized by veterinarians on the scene. Ashley Ryan, president of ORRCA, noted the rarity of such strandings, stating, "This is only the second recorded stranding of a melon-headed whale in New South Wales this year. The first occurred at Port Macquarie."

Ryan explained that strandings can result from various factors, including illness, injury, disorientation, or navigation errors. "Every stranding is heartbreaking, but they’re also a vital opportunity for us to learn more about these incredible creatures," she added. The melon-headed whale is typically found in offshore waters and is seldom seen by beachgoers, making this incident especially unusual. During the recent ORRCA whale census, nearly 150 humpback whales were spotted off Kiama Heights in a single day, highlighting the migratory patterns of these majestic mammals.

Reflecting on the experience, Doyle expressed gratitude for the swift response from ORRCA volunteers, stating, "While the outcome was upsetting, I am glad I was there. There weren’t many people on the beach, so they probably wouldn’t have called ORRCA unless the whale had already beached itself."

Doyle’s actions demonstrate the critical role individuals can play in wildlife conservation and rescue efforts. ORRCA's hotline operates 24/7, encouraging the public to report any sightings of distressed marine life while maintaining a safe distance. As the whale migration continues, the community remains vigilant, inspired by Doyle’s quick thinking and the dedicated work of organizations like ORRCA.