Beached Whale That Washed Ashore In New York Dies

New York City, NY – A beached finback whale that appeared on the Breezy Point beach has died. As previously reported by The Inquisitr, the 60-foot whale washed up on the shore in New York City on Wednesday.

Marine rescues officials had been concerned with the beached whale’s survival since it was found in the Queens borough barely 24 hours ago, Reuters notes. The finback whale is the second largest mammal species, the blue whale is the largest. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration marine mammal rescuer Mendy Garron had this to say about the stranded whale:

“Biologists have confirmed that he whale has died. Plans are currently being developed for necropsy and disposal of the carcass.”

Finback whales typically have a lifespan of 80 to 90 years. An adult finback can reach up to 85 feet in length and weigh nearly 80 tons. The beached whale at Breezy Point appeared malnourished and had washed ashore twice in as many days, the New York Daily News notes.

Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation senior biologist Robert DiGiovanni stated that the whale had been ill for a long time and weight about half of what it should. Once the whale was spotted in Queens, local residents, many of whom were still struggling to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy, worked together to aid the whale until marine rescuers could arrive. Local police and firefighters joined in the effort to help the beached finback.

Riverhead Foundation rescue program director Kim Durham noted that the whale was so emaciated that nothing could really be done to save the massive creature, the New York Times notes.