USA and Soviet Came Together To Save Three Gray Whales Trapped In Ice!
In 1988, an unexpected cooperation between the United States and the Soviet Union unfolded in the icy waters of Alaska. This was far from a political agreement. It was a rescue mission that came to be known as “Operation Breakthrough.” It involved saving three young gray whales trapped in pack ice near Point Barrow, Alaska. The three whales were named, Putu, Siku, and Kanik. Despite the political tensions of the Cold War, the two countries came together to the great rescue mission. Let’s dive into the details.
Discovery of the Trapped Whales
On October 7, 1988, an Inupiat hunter named Roy Ahmaogak made a shocking discovery. Three young gray whales trapped in thick pack ice off the coast of Point Barrow, Alaska. The whales were given Inupiat names: Putu, Siku, and Kanik. Ahmaogak used a chainsaw to cut holes in the ice so the whales could breathe. However, the ice was too thick for him to carve a path to the open ocean.
The local Inupiat community came together to help. Villagers worked to prevent the holes from freezing overnight by using water pumps. Word about the whales spread across soon. Many biologists from the North Slope Borough realized the animals were in serious danger. The national effort gained international attention in a brief time period. Rescuers, media, and scientists came down to the site, leading to the launch of a massive rescue mission.
“The whales were relatively young and confused.”
Dave Withrow, a marine mammal biologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Operation Breakthrough: A Million-Dollar Rescue
As the plight of the whales gained media coverage, a large-scale operation, later dubbed “Operation Breakthrough,” was initiated. This rescue effort brought together many people from various backgrounds including local Inupiat hunters, Alaskan oil companies, the Alaska National Guard, Greenpeace, and the U.S. government’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Even the Soviet Union played a major role by providing two icebreakers. Vladimir Arseniev and the Admiral Makarov, played a crucial part in the rescue.
Despite the massive cooperation, the challenges were severe. The temperature was brutally cold, causing the breathing holes to freeze over quickly. Jagged ice from earlier rescue attempts had cut the whales, leaving the waters around them turn red. Companies gave chainsaws, generators, and a helicopter carrying a 5-ton hammer to create larger holes for the whales to breathe. Pumps were even used to circulate water to prevent refreezing. Surprisingly, the noise of the pumps have helped the whales to identify and go from one breathing hole to another.
“All along, we had planned to use whale mating sounds to lure the whales from hole to hole. Quite by accident, we discovered that the noise generated by the pumps attracted the whales. The pumps allowed us to coax the whales to a new breathing hole ahead.”
Dave Withrow, a marine mammal biologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
U.S. and Soviet Collaboration: A Cold War Miracle
At the height of the Cold War, cooperation between the U.S. and Soviet Union was almost unheard of. U.S. Department of State requested the assistance of two icebreakers from the Soviet Union. For the sake of saving the whales, both nations set aside their differences. This collaboration became an international sensation. It media attention from across the globe.
The Soviet icebreakers cut through the thick Arctic ice, creating a pathway for the whales to potentially reach the open sea. Ensuring that the icebreakers don’t come too close to the whales became a real challenge.
“This was during the height of the Cold War. Cooperation between the United States and Soviet Union on any issue was basically unheard of, especially on something so publicized.”
One participant noted.
The Fate of the Whales
The rescue operation had its ups and downs. Kanik, the youngest and weakest whale, died on October 21. Right before the path to the ocean could be completed. The remaining two whales, Putu and Siku, continued to struggle through the cold and jagged ice. However, they were eventually guided toward freedom by the Soviet icebreakers.
Unfortunately, because the whales were not tagged with radio transmitters, no one could be sure if they survived once they entered the open ocean. Marine biologists were critical of the operation, with one stating, “Speaking strictly from a biological standpoint, (a rescue) doesn’t make sense. That’s natural mortality.”
“Once freed, the whales still had a difficult path, swimming through jumbled ice left behind by the ice breakers, but we led them to the best possible spot for returning to the migratory path, and even the weather was in their favor.”
Dave Withrow, a marine mammal biologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Impact and Legacy of Operation Breakthrough
Operation Breakthrough left a lasting impact, not only on those who participated in the mission but also on the public’s view of environmental conservation. Though the fate of Putu and Siku remains a mystery, the rescue demonstrated a shift in how humans viewed their relationship with wildlife. It highlighted the growing importance of protecting endangered species and the need for international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.
Conclusion
Operation Breakthrough was more than just a rescue mission for three gray whales; it symbolized hope and the possibility of international cooperation during a time of great political tension. While the mystery of what ultimately happened to Putu and Siku remains unsolved, their story serves as a reminder of the importance of continued efforts to protect wildlife. It also reflects the growing global awareness of environmental conservation and the power of nations working together for a common cause.
Also read,
