Massive fin whale dies after washing up on Santa Cruz beach, officials say

Whale Massive fin whale dies after washing up on Santa Cruz beach, officials say Thursday, November 12, 2026 9:48PM An operation is underway in Santa Cruz after a massive beached whale has washed up in the waters at Cowell Beach. KGO SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KGO) -- A massive fin whale died Thursday morning after washing up on a Santa Cruz beach, the Marine Mammal Center said. The whale was seen in the waters of Cowell Beach and officials said it died around 10:15 a.m. The responding marine mammal experts found that it was severely emaciated and had signs of long-term illness. Experts and officials are now working to figure out how to remove the whale in the safest possible way, given its weight and size. They are taking ocean conditions and the equipment they have available into consideration. That area of Cowell Beach remains closed and people are asked to give space to the responding officials. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics PETS & ANIMALS SANTA CRUZ WHALE WILD ANIMALS BEACHES Bay Area Dungeness crab season delayed until at least Jan. 1 6th beluga whale rescued dies at SeaWorld San Diego Video captures humpback whale crashing into boat off Long Island US Coast Guard helps rescue juvenile humpback whale stuck on sandbar off New York's Fire Island Live Streams ON NOW Apple employee charged with murder after crashing into car at nearly 100 mph killing toddler Search called off for 24-year-old Bay Area woman swept into ocean near Santa Cruz Level 2 storm to bring rain, dangerous surf to Bay Area and more than a foot of snow to the Sierra AccuWeather Forecast: 1 more dry day before rain and wind return for Level 2 storm 18-year-old suspect will not be charged in deadly Moss Landing shooting, barring new evidence: DA