This footage was filmed and produced 10 December 2023.

In a striking event, a lifeless 52-foot fin whale washed ashore near Santa Rita Place, bordering Mission Beach and Pacific Beach on the 10th of December.

Lifeguards and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department worked diligently to tow the colossal mammal back into the ocean by Sunday evening, though concerns persist about its potential return due to shifting tides.

Before removal, the stranded whale captivated onlookers, leading lifeguards to issue repeated warnings through loudspeakers. Researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) arrived promptly, documenting the scene and establishing a protective perimeter.

Michael Milstein, a public affairs officer with NOAA, identified the whale as a female juvenile. It exhibited signs of bleeding, likely from bird pecking. The cause of death remains elusive, emphasizing the need for researchers to conduct thorough examinations.

The heartbreaking incident left locals, including Cynthia Polis, reflecting on the rarity of such events. As lifeguards continue vigilant monitoring, the fin whale's substantial size raises questions about the challenges faced by these endangered creatures in their ocean habitat.

[Credit: @peterlubs]