Dead Humpback Whale Found Off Long Island, Biologists Study Remains

The remains of a humpback whale were found off Long Island Saturday, according to the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation.

The Riverhead Foundation responded to a report of a deceased whale stranding off Westhampton. The animal was initially sighted about a half-mile off of Fish Creek in Remsenburg, a release from the foundation said.

The carcass was towed by Southampton Town bay constables to the end of South Bay Avenue so a team of biologists from the foundation could examine the remains, the release said.

The animal was not intact, but biologists were able to determine that it was humpback whale, and possibly a calf. Only the head and flipper have been recovered.

Samples were taken to send to a pathologist; results may take several weeks.

The cause of death is currently undetermined.

A contractor was secured by the Town of Southampton for the disposal of the carcass, which was removed to the Westhampton transfer station, where it will be buried, the foundation said.