See Photos of Rescued Whale, Saved By Sea Of Heroes

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A stranded whale off Hampton Bays has been rescued and was last seen swimming toward the inlet, according to officials at the scene — with no further sightings since it swam away.

According to Rachel Bosworth of the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, AMCS received notice late this morning, around 10:50 a.m., about a live stranded whale west of the Shinnecock Inlet.

AMCS biologist Kimberly Durham arrived onsite to assess the situation of the animal, which was a male minke whale, approximately 10 feet in length, she said.

The whale was re-floated in the bay and was last seen swimming toward the inlet, she said.

"The public is urged to maintain a safe distance and allow this wild animal to swim freely. AMCS will continue to monitor the animal, and welcome any sighting updates," she said.

Anyone who sees a marine mammal or sea turtle in need of assistance, should maintain a safe distance of 150 feet from the federally protected animals, and call the New York State Stranding Hotline at 631-389-9829.

According to Southampton Town Police and the AMCS, it is unknown how the whale became stranded on the beach. Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, which is authorized by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to respond to whale strandings in New York State, arrived on scene to assess the whale’s situation and work with the town to facilitate the response efforts.

The animal, a male minke whale, appeared to be young, approximately 500 to 750 pounds, and appeared to be alert with no signs of trauma, the AMCS said.

The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, with support from Southampton Town Police and bay constables, United States Coast Guard, the Hampton Bays Fire Department dive rescue team and Fire Police, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, Riverhead Foundation, and Suffolk County Parks were able to provide supportive care and assist the whale to re-float.

The whale was last seen when swimming toward the inlet; no additional sightings have been reported, officials said.

The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society will continue to monitor the animal, and welcomes any sighting updates.

A scanner call came in just before 1 p.m. requesting a dive team to help the whale, which was located on Dune Road and Road I.

Alyssa Kelley, office assistant for the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, confirmed that a team of biologists was at the site Tuesday afternoon.

Southampton Town Police Lieutenant Susan Ralph confirmed the team was on the scene and said the whale appeared to be a calf.

Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman was at the scene Tuesday afternoon.

"I'm hoping for the best," Schneiderman said.

Lead photo and second photo by Hampton Bays Fire Department.

Photos in body of story by Atlantic Marine Conservation Society.