Question

Why was the cooperation between the United States and Soviet Union particularly significant during this rescue?

(1 point)
Responses

It was required by an international law that was signed by both nations.
It was required by an international law that was signed by both nations.

Both countries had a financial interest in saving the trapped whales.
Both countries had a financial interest in saving the trapped whales.

They had a long history of working together on environmental issues.
They had a long history of working together on environmental issues.

It happened during the Cold War, a time of major political tension.
It happened during the Cold War, a time of major political tension.
NOAA's Big Miracle Worker By NOAA
NOAA marine mammal biologist Dave Withrow and the event that inspired Hollywood. In this interview, Dave Withrow discusses how he contributed to the whale rescue.

How did you get involved in Operation Breakthrough?

I work for NOAA1 at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, and anything whale-related, especially on the West Coast, comes through our office. Initially, there were no gray whale experts on the scene in Barrow. We were watching the news reports every night, and the lack of factual information would make all of us cringe. A week after the whales were found, then director of NOAA’s National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Howard Braham, asked me to go work with the press and make sure they had accurate information about these incredible creatures.

Can you describe what it was like when you arrived on the scene?

It was freezing — about 30 to 40 degrees below zero every day during the rescue, so not at all like the average whale stranding at the beach. This was October in Alaska and everyone on the scene had to endure a lot of difficult conditions to be there. Meanwhile, it was a total zoo in Barrow with all the reporters there. At the time, we didn’t know why this had captured the whole world’s attention, but all eyes were on us. The whales were relatively young and confused. All of the other gray whales had started migrating2 much earlier, but these three whales stayed in the feeding grounds too long. As a result, they were trapped by ice as temperatures continued to drop. Once we started moving the whales toward freedom, however, I couldn’t help but think that they knew something was happening. They seemed to understand that we were there to help them along.

How did you keep the whales and people safe?

It did help that the whales were located a good way from Barrow and the only route there was by a snow machine or on one of the helicopters dedicated to the rescue effort. A rotating group of TV reporters and cameramen were flown out to the whales daily. Access was limited for safety reasons and to minimize disturbance to the whales and those involved directly with the rescue effort. Most of the people who live in Barrow know the conditions out on the ice better than anyone. We followed their advice and they helped us make decisions along the way. If they said it was time to stop because it was too dangerous, we listened. The Inupiat people3 who lived in and around Barrow did most of the hole-cutting, and their knowledge and guidance helped the operation stay safe and on track.

Answer 1

It happened during the Cold War, a time of major political tension — the US–Soviet cooperation was notable because it crossed deep geopolitical divides and showed humanitarian/environmental concerns could transcend Cold War rivalries.