Fifth whale washed on San Francisco's shores died from a ship strike

(Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

By Sri Ravipati

(SAN FRANCISCO) Scientists have determined an endangered fin whale that washed onto San Francisco's shores last month died by blunt force trauma from a ship strike.

The dead whale washed onto the beach at Fort Funston on April 23.

After a necropsy, scientists discovered the 46-foot juvenile male suffered "significant bruising and hemorrhaging to muscle around the whale’s neck vertebrae consistent with blunt force trauma due to ship strike," according to a statement from The Marine Mammal Center.

The juvenile is the fifth whale found dead in the Bay Area in April.

“These collisions are the leading cause of death for these whales and our investigation alongside scientists from California Academy of Sciences and UC Santa Cruz will provide further insight into the challenges these whales face,” the center said in the statement.

The other four whales — all gray whales — died by a ship strike as well, while the deaths of the other three are under investigation, KRON 4 reported.

The fin whale is the second-largest species of whale after the blue whale. Fin whales are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. These whales are typically found offshore in deep waters.

The Sausalito-based center has responded to six other fin whales in its 46-year history. Five of the six fin whales died from trauma due to ship strikes.

To report any whales in need of help, call the center’s rescue hotline at 415-289-SEAL (7325).

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