Fin Whale Dies After Santa Cruz Beach Stranding

A juvenile fin whale about 60 feet long was found stranded in the surf at Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz on Thursday morning and died a few hours later. Responders said it was severely emaciated and showed signs of long-term illness, but the cause of its stranding and death remains unknown. Officials closed the surrounding beach and are coordinating a safe removal while considering public safety and scientific research. Fin whales generally live offshore in deep water, making strandings unusual.