California officials towed a dead male fin whale about 60 feet long more than a mile offshore after it was found roughly 400 feet from shore at Cardiff State Beach on April 27. Drone footage and on-scene responders reported sharks following and feeding on the carcass, and decomposition prevented a definitive cause of death. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is investigating. Authorities advised swimmers to use caution in the area for several days.
California Warns of Increased Shark Activity After 60‑Foot Fin Whale Towed Offshore
Officials tow a dead fin whale away from a beach in Encinitas, Calif.Credit: City of Encinitas, California/Instagram
California officials have warned beachgoers to exercise caution after responders discovered a dead fin whale near Cardiff State Beach in Encinitas and towed the carcass more than a mile out to sea on April 27.
A dead whale carcass off the coast of San Diego, California.Credit: Encinitas Fire & Marine Safety Department/Instagram
What Happened
Responders with the City of Encinitas Fire Department and California State Parks found a deceased fin whale floating roughly 400 feet from shore near the San Elijo Campground. Lifeguards on personal watercraft initially moved the carcass away from the nearshore area, and state lifeguards later attached the whale to a boat and towed it farther offshore.
Officials tow away a dead whale carcass off the coast of San Diego, California.Credit: Encinitas Fire & Marine Safety Department/Instagram
Sharks Observed
Officials monitoring drone footage reported seeing sharks following and feeding on the whale as it was towed. Because scavenging and decomposition had begun, investigators were unable to determine a definitive cause of death. The city urged swimmers to be cautious in the area for several days following the removal.
"The whale carcass is now over a mile from the coastline, but beachgoers should use caution when entering the water in this area over the next few days," the City of Encinitas wrote in an Instagram post.
"It was interesting to see, but I feel kinda bad. They're majestic creatures. What happened to it? We need every one of them," said local surfer Chris Grippo, who watched the operation, to NBC 7 San Diego.
Investigation and Species Notes
Michael Milstein, a spokesperson for the National Marine Fisheries Service (part of NOAA), confirmed the carcass was a male fin whale about 60 feet long. The agency is investigating the whale's death. Milstein noted that fin whales are the second-largest animals on Earth after blue whales and, though still classified as endangered, have rebounded since the commercial whaling era. The West Coast population is now estimated at a minimum of about 8,000 animals, and sightings have become more common in Southern California.
Safety reminder: Officials recommend that beachgoers and swimmers avoid the immediate area for several days and follow local lifeguard and park advisories.
Help us improve.
