15m finback whale found dead in Boston Harbour

BOSTON (AP) - Coast Guard officials say a 15.24m finback whale has been found dead, floating in Boston Harbour. Authorities don't know the cause of death.

Petty Officer Robert Simpson says the whale was spotted early on Sunday. He says the Coast Guard took a team from the New England Aquarium to examine the whale and take samples.

New England Aquarium spokesman Tony LaCasse told WCVB-TV that biologists spotted bruising and pressure lines on the finback which can be caused by something wrapping around the whale.

Mr Simpson says the whale has been beached at Long Island, in the middle of Boston Harbour, and a necropsy is planned.