Massive fin whale dies after washing up on Santa Cruz beach, officials say

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KGO) -- A massive fin whale died Thursday morning after washing up on a Santa Cruz beach, the Marine Mammal Center said.

The whale was seen in the waters of Cowell Beach and officials said it died around 10:15 a.m. The responding marine mammal experts found that it was severely emaciated and had signs of long-term illness.

Experts and officials are now working to figure out how to remove the whale in the safest possible way, given its weight and size. They are taking ocean conditions and the equipment they have available into consideration.

That area of Cowell Beach remains closed and people are asked to give space to the responding officials.