How often are beached whales found on Myrtle Beach, SC shores?

The beached whale that appeared south of Myrtle Beach State Park around noon today has died.

Horry County officials and a Charleston-based marine biologist assisted the pygmy sperm whale, which was alive for a while on the sand.

Here are the answers to some readers’ questions about this aquatic phenomenon.

How often do whales wash up in S.C.?

Five to 10 smaller whales wash up on South Carolina’s shores each year, with a larger humpback or right whale washing up every couple of years, according to the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Center, which responds to reports of stranded animals in South Carolina.

Whales appear on the sand because they are either dead, ill or injured, said Lauren Rust, executive director of the nonprofit, which sent staff to Myrtle Beach State Park. Beached whales are found all year round.

The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Center responds to 50 to 60 reports of washed up animals annually, with bottlenose dolphins being the most common.

When was the last time a beached whale was found in the Myrtle Beach area?

In August 2021, a beached whale was spotted off of 48th Ave. in Myrtle Beach. The animal later died.

In May 2019, an already deceased pygmy sperm whale washed up on the shores of Huntington Beach State Park.