Whale carcass washes up on Orange County beach

Scientists from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center of Laguna Beach on May 20, 2021, take samples and study an endangered fin whale that washed up at Bolsa Chica State Beach. (Raul Roa / L.A. Times Community News)

by: Associated Press

Posted: May 21, 2021 / 02:57 PM PDT

Updated: May 21, 2021 / 04:34 PM PDT

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Authorities on Friday closed a section of a Southern California beach and adjacent water near the carcass of a dead fin whale that washed ashore.

The Orange County Health Care Agency’s environmental health division determined that the decomposing remains posed a health hazard at Bolsa Chica State Beach.

Authorities believe the whale is one of two that were struck by an Australian navy ship last week and then towed out to sea from San Diego.

Bolsa Chica is about 90 miles up the coast from San Diego Bay.