Hardwood Flooring in Hilton Head Island, SC

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. -- A male sperm whale washed ashore on Hilton Head Island over the weekend and drew dozens of onlookers to Coligny Beach days later. Crews worked throughout Monday to conduct a necropsy and bury the massive marine mammal's feet beneath the sand, WJCL reported.

According to NOAA officials, the 30-foot male whale was underweight for its size, which raised concerns about its health prior to beaching. Clay George, a marine mammal biologist with NOAA Fisheries, explained that researchers examined the whale for signs of entanglement or vessel strikes. However, it could take months to determine the exact cause of the beaching.

"It's pretty sad, but it's what any whale does," said Regina Laboe, a visitor to Hilton Head Island for the week.

For many visitors, the sight of the beached whale was a rare and somber experience.

"I've seen sharks, I've seen stingrays, you name it. But never a beached whale," Laboe said.

This marks the fifth beached whale in South Carolina since 2005. Sperm whales, known to beach themselves when in poor health, are a rare sight on the state's shores. The whale was first spotted on Saturday, with a nearby hotel staff member capturing a photo of the scene.

Tourists and locals alike gathered to watch as crews conducted the necropsy and prepared the whale for burial.

"We walked probably a mile and a half to get here," said Steve Doll, visiting from Tennessee. "I've never seen a whale up close. This is about as close as I'll ever get."

When asked by WJCL 22 News if the whale could've been put back in the ocean, George said that would've caused more harm than good for the whale. That thought led crews to the decision to euthanize the 20,000-pound adolescent male sperm whale Sunday night

Monday evening, the whale was buried deep enough to prevent other animals from disturbing it.

"I love the fact that they're doing the right thing and burying it where it came out, rather than taking it away," said Christy Doll, who was also visiting from Tennessee.

While the cause of the beaching remains unknown, NOAA researchers say the burial process ensures the whale will soon decay underneath the sand, where no other animal will reach it. They added that in a few weeks, it will be as if it never washed ashore.

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South Carolina and hurricanes: It’s a relationship we’d rather not have, but one that undeniably rolls around each year.

With hurricane season right around the corner, it’s a key time for folks to refresh their evacuation plan, know their zone and pull out the emergency kits.

Hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and while for many that means no more school, summer fun and family vacations, a bad weather forecast can quickly derail your plans in the sunshine.

Here’s everything South Carolina residents need to know ahead of this year’s hurricane season.

Last year, South Carolina made significant changes to its hurricane evacuation zones. These updates shrunk the total evacuation area by about 250 square miles. It was the first widespread update of the map in about a decade.

Zones are broken up into the six different areas based on proximity to the ocean and coastline. They are categorized alphabetically, from letters ‘A’ through ‘F,’ with ‘A’ zones being closest to the water.

Areas closest to the coast will get an earlier evacuation order than areas further inland. Six coastal counties border the Atlantic Ocean and cover over 200 miles of coastline.

South Carolina is one of the most vulnerable states to hurricanes and tropical storms. Densely populated coastal areas, especially during peak tourist seasons, coupled with the generally low coastal elevations, increase the state’s vulnerability.

While the coast is often hardest hit, inland areas are not immune to tornadoes and catastrophic flooding.

In Beaufort County, which includes coastal communities like Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort, it’s important for folks to prepare even before a storm is on the horizon.

Knowing your zone determines whether and when you should evacuate during a hurricane.

Even if you think you know your zone, double-check by visiting the South Carolina Emergency Management Division Hurricane Guide or downloading the SC Emergency Manager mobile app.

Beaufort County is zone A. Nearby Jasper County is zone B & C.

If an evacuation is ordered, state and local authorities will announce evacuations by these designated zones.

Local offices, like the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, provide updates and information via social media platforms.

You can also follow hurricane updates from the National Hurricane Center, which issues storm watches and warnings.

If you live in a vulnerable area, don’t just know your zone, know how to leave if an emergency strikes and plan your route.

Evacuation routes are predetermined so residents can become familiar with the ones nearest them.

It’s important to note that traffic along certain sections of major evacuation routes may be adjusted to flow in one direction away from the coast. State and local law enforcement will be at traffic control points along these evacuation routes to guide you to safety.

For Lowcountry residents, or those living within zone ‘A,’ be prepared to drive at least 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place.

Here are Beaufort County’s evacuation routes, according to the SCEMD:

Hilton Head Island evacuation routes:

Hilton Head Island lane assignments:

Beaufort & surrounding area evacuation & lane assignment:

Residents on Daufuskie Island will only receive one evacuation order, issued by the governor. That evacuation order will be a mandatory evacuation. There will be no voluntary evacuation order. To learn more about those protocols, click here.

Do not rely solely on GPS, as it may not reflect temporary lane reversals.

Follow the blue hurricane evacuation signs and guidance from law enforcement posted along the route.

Another critical point for all residents to stay mindful of as hurricane season nears is access to shelters.

Beaufort County offers shelter locations for tropical storms only.

No shelters will open in Beaufort County during a hurricane of Category 1 or higher.

That means residents must plan to leave the area entirely and consider hotels, inland shelters or staying with friends and family in a safe location.

Before hurricane season starts, it’s recommended by the SCEMD to conduct a safety check of your home to ensure it is prepared to withstand the effects of a hurricane.

For regular updates on preparations, road and traffic changes, evacuation orders and more, these resources are available:

Hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts through November 30, or for long-time residents, once the turkey hits the table on Thanksgiving Day.

An unfortunate combination of weather disruptions, air traffic controller staff shortages and out-of-date technology has caused an undeniable headache for travelers this week at the Newark Liberty International Airport and now nationwide.

Hundreds of flights have been delayed or canceled, causing a domino effect for travelers coming to and from the Palmetto State.

On April 28, a technical issue occurred at the Newark Liberty International Airport, where air traffic controllers lost contact with aircraft due to a system failure.

Following the system failure, air traffic controllers who were responsible for controlling the technical failure took leave to recover from “traumatic stress,” resulting in a massive staffing shortage.

While this incident itself did not directly affect South Carolina airports, it has caused a ripple effect on flight operations nationwide.

The root cause of these delays and issues stems from the outdated technology system, with some equipment dating to the ‘50s.

Some systems still use copper wires and floppy disks, which the Federal Aviation Administration and Government Accountability Office have admitted to still being in use.

Another problem is the shortage of air traffic controllers, which is an issue that has affected airports across the country for years.

In addition to unreliable technology and staffing concerns, the Newark airport has been under reconstruction, which has caused issues and a three-month closure on one of its major runways, worsening delays.

Airports across the Southeast are experiencing increased weather-related delays, with rain and storms heading to the region.

In the Lowcountry region, rain and storms are anticipated to start as early as Wednesday afternoon and continue into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Even if you’re not flying out of Newark, flight delays or cancellations there can, and have, rippled across the country.

If you have a flight connecting through Newark or flying with United Airlines, which has a major hub there, delays are expected. As of Wednesday morning, delays have expanded to larger travel areas including Dallas, Chicago, Detroit and Los Angeles, according to the Newark Airport Flight Tracker.

The national shortage of air traffic controllers is an ongoing issue for airports across the nation.

The FAA is currently short-staffed, with about 3,000 unfilled controller roles. Adding to the frustration, it takes up to two years to train new ones.

With this staffing shortage in conjunction with outdated technology, this means chronic delays could persist through summer and beyond, potentially impacting airports in South Carolina.

To manage risk, the FAA has slowed down arrivals and departures into Newark with ground delay programs on Tuesday morning.

This has led to 4+ hour delays in some cases. For travelers departing from a South Carolina airport with a connection through Newark, your flight may be held at the gate or canceled before even taking off.

If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, the U.S. Department of Transportation allows you to request a full refund, but only if you decline any rebooking offer.

Note that if you are offered and accept a later flight (even 36 hours later), that may waive your right to a refund. Always check for alerts and alternative routes before heading to the airport.

If you can switch flights to a different airport, like nearby LaGuardia in New York City, or book a direct flight to your destination, that is another solution to avoid Newark delays.

South Carolina is home to six different airports for passenger travel:

While only short delays have been reported, make sure to check the status of your flight often and be prepared for any disruptions.

Click on the link for each airport above to be directed to their flight tracker page.

While there’s no good estimate of when these problems will be resolved, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York called for an investigation into the cause.

Americans flying in and out of Newark Airport have experienced increasing delays & disruptions.I'm demanding a full Inspector General investigation into what happened at Newark so these problems don't get worse, or spread to airports across the nation. pic.twitter.com/5O6ND4ooZR

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) May 5, 2025

On Tuesday evening, FlightAware reported that around 340 flights were delayed on their way into and out of Newark and 114 flights were canceled.

This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 9:57 AM.

Guides

Get a taste of Southern culture — and plenty of seafood — with a visit to this coastal paradise.

Get a compelling long read and must-have lifestyle tips in your inbox every Sunday morning — great with coffee!

With its laid-back charm, walkable trails, and mix of nature, history, and beachfront fun, Hilton Head Island packs a lot into its small footprint. Here’s how to make the most of a long weekend there.

Day One on Hilton Head Island

This island might clock in at only 12 miles long, but there’s plenty to see and do, whether you want to soak up the sun or explore — or a bit of both. Check in to an ocean-view room at Beach House Hilton Head Island (rooms from $334), located in the buzzing downtown district, then head to the newly renovated pool deck, outfitted with year-round heated water and swanky cabanas. And be sure to hit the property’s adjacent Tiki Hut for a toes-in-the-sand experience. This outdoor bar is open to the public and has been a cornerstone of the area since the late ’70s. Later, catch a ride to Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, a casual neighborhood joint on the northwestern part of the island, to watch the sunset and indulge in fresh catches.

Day Two on Hilton Head Island

Much of the island is walkable and bikeable, with various trails and bike rental shops. Spend an afternoon at one of the wildlife refuges, like the 50-acre Audubon Newhall Preserve or, for a small fee, the private Sea Pines Forest Preserve, where visitors can fish or ride horseback. Or stroll along the shore with a wine smoothie from the Carolina Tasting Room.

Day Three on Hilton Head Island

Need a break from the sun? Treat yourself to a body wrap or pain-relief massage at the Moor Spa. And you can’t leave the island without a visit to the Harbour Town Lighthouse — walk the 114 steps to the top — and the surrounding marina. Follow that with dinner at the nearby Quarterdeck. You’ll want that second order of oysters; I certainly did.

Must-Do Activities to Round Out Your Trip

1. Harbour Town Golf Links, a public course and PGA tour stop, will reopen later this year after a massive reno. Its clubhouse, grill, and shop are remaining open.

2. Book a two-hour cocktail-making class or a tour of the production facility at Hilton Head Distillery, the island’s only distillery. Take home a bottle of rum or whiskey.

3. Bring home some trinkets from Binya, a gift shop focused on the region’s Gullah Geechee culture — think candles, apparel, and educational books on history and traditions.

4. Have the kids in tow? The Coastal Discovery Museum, a partner of the Smithsonian, offers family-friendly activities such as sweetgrass basket making.

Published as “Escaping to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina” in the May 2025 issue of Philadelphia magazine.

The juvenile sperm whale that washed up on Hilton Head Island Saturday evening has been laid to rest 10 feet under the sand.

A crew of roughly 25 performed a necropsy on the animal Monday. The whale, estimated to be about 10 years old, was euthanized Sunday night.

The necropsy didn’t reveal any obvious answers as to why the juvenile male was so skinny, according to Lauren Rust, executive director of the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network. The team will send tissue samples from inside the whale to labs for further analysis, a process which could take weeks or months.

Scientists cut deep into the deceased whale to look for clues to what led the animal to wash up on Hilton Head Island, but it’s still unclear what was troubling the young mammal.

“We didn’t find any kind of smoking gun,” Rust said.

The team found squid beaks in the whale’s stomach, a sign that it had been eating. No plastic or marine debris was found in the stomach, according to Rust.

To get inside a marine mammal of this size was no small feat. Underneath a whale’s skin is a thick layer of fat called blubber, which can be eight to 10 inches deep on a sperm whale. Then there’s a layer of muscle and an enormous rib cage protecting the animal’s internal organs.

It took about 25 people to perform a necropsy on the gargantuan creature, with about 15 people on the animal itself, cutting through the flesh with long sharp knives. A team was on standby just to sharpen the knives once they got dull.

To help peel away the thick layers of blubber and muscle, the team hooked chains to the flesh and used an excavator to pull it back.

It took about an hour and a half just to get inside the whale, Rust said. Scientists carefully analyzed the whale’s lungs, heart, and intestinal tract to understand what was going on inside the whale. They took photographs, measurements and samples of all of the animal’s organs.

The tissue samples will be sent to various labs, where scientist will look at the tissues underneath a microscope, and test the samples for viruses and contaminants. The results may take weeks or even months.

With a laugh, Rust said the whale didn’t smell too bad, because it was “freshly dead” and hadn’t had much time to rot underneath the hot South Carolina sun.

“It didn’t smell like it could,” Rust chuckled.

After scientists finished gathering information from inside the whale, the 31-foot beast was buried in the same spot on Hilton Head Island at around 5 p.m.

As a crowd of beachgoers watched from a distance, a large orange excavator dug a hole in the sand 10 feet deep, and fully covered the whale, flattening the sand on top.

“You’d never know it’s down there,” Rust said. “Pretty quickly, with the heat and the sand, it will decompose, break down and feed little critters down there.”

The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network is the only state entity in South Carolina that responds to stranded marine mammals, according to Rust.

If you see a stranded dolphin or whale, do not push it back into the water, as biologists say it’s likely sick and will wash up somewhere else. Instead, call 843-410-7990 to alert the LMMN.

(Sharks aren’t mammals. If you spot a stranded shark, call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-922-5431.)

The Island Packet

Li Khan covers Hilton Head Island for the Island Packet. Previously, she was the Editor in Chief of The Peralta Citizen, a watchdog student-led news publication at Laney College in Oakland, California.