Does anyone know why they decided to blow up the whale? I mean, the consequences should have been obvious to anyone. Where did they expect the pieces to go?
Only on HN could some become an expert on how to blow up whales after watching one video.
1927 - STRANDED WHALE - DISPOSING OF THE CARCASS - DYNAMITE RESORTED TO https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/93580808
Apparently they vastly overestimated how much explosive to use, resulting in the now infamous consequences.
"The decision to blow up the whale came from the Oregon Department of Transportation and George Thornton. According to Linnman, Thornton had consulted with the United State Navy, which had done things like this in the past. The general consensus from all involved after the explosion was that not enough dynamite was used."
Credit must be due just for getting through switchboard to someone who could give a professional opinion.
Don't you mean underestimated?
I disagree. Had they over-estimated there would have simply been pink mist and a bad smell.
I can assure you there are sufficient seagulls on the Oregon coast.
On the other side, given I'm half Croatian, seagulls and other meat-eating birds will absolutely devour that meat in no time - they will lead other flocks of birds to the food source.