Briefs for Feb. 10, 2026

Published 10:05 am Monday, February 9, 2026

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Officials from Seaside Aquarium said the whale had been dead for quite some time prior to washing ashore. (TiffanyBoothe/SeasideAquarium) ((TiffanyBoothe/SeasideAquarium))

Whale washes up on local beach

The Seaside Aquarium reported that a 46-foot fin whale washed ashore Sunday morning north of Sunset Beach near Warrenton. The only species of whale larger than a fin whale is the blue whale. Fin whales can reach up to 85 feet and weigh up to 80 tons, according to the aquarium.

The whale had been dead for quite some time prior to washing ashore, according to aquarium officials. A necropsy will be scheduled for next week to attempt to determine the cause of death.

Officials issued this statement: “While we encourage people to go check out this amazing creature, it is important to remember to look — but do not touch. Any whale, dolphin, porpoise, or pinniped can spread potential diseases to humans and pets.”

Seaside’s ‘Feed the Starfish’ fundraiser on Feb. 11

A one-day fundraiser is slated from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Seaside Coffee House, 5 N. Holladay, and from 3 to 8 p.m. at Sea Star Gelato, 8 N. Columbia, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, to raise funds for the 50 illuminated starfish lights displayed year-round throughout downtown.

The coffee house will donate 50% of all handcrafted beverage sales and Sea Star will contribute 100% of gelato sales to “Feed the Starfish.”

— The Astorian

New cruise line coming to Astoria in 2028
Holland America Line has announced a 22-Day Panama Canal voyage, which will sail from Fort Lauderdale to Vancouver, B.C. from Friday, April 1, through Sunday, April 23, 2028. The Oregon stop is slated for Apr. 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Astoria, which the cruise line said is “awash in history and raffish port town charm.”

The company suggested that visitors visit nearby sites like Fort Clatsop, Cannon Beach and “The Goonies” house.

“Today, Astoria’s fine restaurants, brewpubs, trendy hotels and quirky shops — along with its impressive views and nearby Pacific beaches — make it a great place for a relaxed visit,” Holland America said.

The entire voyage is expected to cost about $3,409 per person, which covers amenities like on-site entertainment, pickleball lessons, a family gameroom and 24-hour room service.

Holland also offers several “Pacific Coast” voyages, one of which sails between San Diego and Vancouver, B.C. Astoria is among the potential ports on this trip that could last between four and six days in fall 2027.

— KOIN