SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KRON) -- A live whale that washed ashore on a Santa Cruz beach Thursday morning has died, according to the UC Santa Cruz Long Marine Laboratory.
The fin whale was found at Cowell Beach, near the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, city officials said at 9:35 a.m. The whale died around noon.
“Marine Safety personnel are on scene, as well as the appropriate marine mammal response agencies,” the city said.
A live fin whale washed up on Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz on Nov. 12, 2026. (City of Santa Cruz)
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A barricade was set up on the beach to block access from the public in the immediate area. Officials urged people to stay back to allow for responders to have the space they need.
(Photo: KRON4)
Fin whales are the second-largest whale species, behind only the blue whale. They are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
