Whale dies after washing ashore at Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz

A whale died after washing ashore Thursday morning at a beach on California's Central Coast, officials said.

The Details

Around 9:30 a.m., Santa Cruz city officials announced the whale had washed ashore at Cowell Beach. Marine safety personnel, along with appropriate marine mammal response agencies, had responded, according to the city.

Crews had closed off the beach in the immediate area surrounding the whale, which was severely underweight and showing signs of long-term illness, according to marine mammal experts.

The public is being urged to respect the perimeter and to allow responders the space they need. Marine mammal experts said they were working with Santa Cruz city officials to remove the whale from the shore ahead of this week's incoming storm.

Additional details about the whale were not immediately available.