Dead Whale Found Near Port Of Long Beach, Scientists Investigate

LONG BEACH, CA – Scientists will try to determine the cause of death Thursday for a deceased whale found in a shipping channel near the Port of Long Beach. The whale was estimated to be 20 to 30 feet long, and was discovered by the U.S. Coast Guard around 6 p.m. Wednesday near Nimitz Road and Pier T, according to broadcast reports.

The whale will remain tied to a dock until scientists arrive to investigate the death and determine what species of whale it is. A port spokesperson told CBS2 that this is a rare occurrence; the official couldn't recall a whale being trapped in shipping traffic.

City News Service and Patch staffer Emily Holland contributed to this post; Image via Shutterstock