'Decomposing' Humpback Whale Washed Ashore In Atlantic Beach

ATLANTIC BEACH, NY — A humpback whale was discovered in East Atlantic Beach on Tuesday morning. Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin said residents spotted the severely decomposing mammal.

It was stranded in the tidal zone of the beach.

The town's Department of Conservation and Waterways worked in concert with town biologists, crews from the state Department of Environmental Conservation, NOAA Fisheries and the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society.

Crews worked swiftly to "examine the carcass, collect data and safely bury the whale," Clavin said.

A spokesperson for the town said remnants of the 28-foot humpback were buried. A cause of death was not given.