Humpback Whale Washes Up On Newport Beach Shoreline

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — A dead whale washed up on the sand in Newport Beach on Wednesday, with authorities Thursday assessing how the mammal died and how to remove it from the shoreline.

The 27-foot whale was spotted offshore at about 1:45 p.m. near 28th Street and came onto shore at about 3 p.m. near 11th Street, between Newport and Balboa piers, according to lifeguards.

The mammal is believed to be a humpback and about 20,000 pounds, or 10 tons, lifeguards said.

The cause of the whale's death was not immediately known, though staff from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center were on scene to investigate.

It was not immediately clear when the whale would be removed from the shoreline.