Dead Whale Washes Ashore in Pacifica

Police are receiving calls about a dead whale on a beach in Pacifica Sunday, according to dispatchers.

The carcass, which appears to be a humpback whale, was found at around 6:30 a.m. by a dog walker on Esplanade Beach, south of Mussel Rock Park, ABC 7 Bay Area reported.

Further details about the whale and its exact location were not immediately available.

This is the third whale since mid-April to wash up in Pacifica this year. Another whale also washed up in nearby Half Moon Bay.

Scientists have not determined the cause of death for these whales, though ship strikes in San Francisco Bay busy shipping lanes have been brought up as a possible cause.

RELATED:

• Dead Sperm Whale Found on Pacifica Beach
• Second Dead Whale Washes Ashore, Scientists Investigating
• What is Going On??! Third Whale Washes Ashore in San Mateo County
• Beached Humpback Whale Possibly Died by Ship Strike
• Dead Gray Whale On Half Moon Bay Towed Out to Sea
• Pacifica Whale Marred with Graffiti One of Two to be Buried Beach
• Beached Whale in Pacifica Marred with Graffiti

--File photo of a dead humpback whale in Half Moon Bay