40-Ton Fin Whale Dies After Stranding on Washington's Samish Island

A 40-ton fin whale died after stranding on Samish Island in Washington state, marking the latest in a series of whale deaths along the coastline.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's regional office reported on social media that the whale became stranded on the island's gravel beach Monday night. Researchers from local organizations arrived Tuesday morning, but the animal had already died.

A photo showed the massive marine mammal lying in shallow water.

NOAA identified the creature as a male fin whale, the second-largest animal on Earth after blue whales. The whale measured more than 61 feet long and weighed about 40 tons. Rescuers found it emaciated with its overall condition deteriorated, the agency said.

The size of fin whales limits options for moving or freeing stranded animals, NOAA noted.

The agency plans to conduct a necropsy. Afterward, the carcass will be left to decompose naturally.

The incident follows a spike in whale deaths in Washington. CBS affiliate KIRO reported at least 16 whale deaths in the state over the past year. John Calambokidis, founder of Cascadia Research Collective, told CBS affiliate KREM that many whales appeared to have died from starvation, possibly due to climate change reducing Arctic and Alaskan food supplies that the animals rely on.

Calambokidis said there had been at least 13 strandings since March.