PORTLAND, Maine — A dead whale which appeared to be wrapped in nets was pulled from Casco Bay on Thursday, officials say.
Portland Harbor Master Kevin Battle told NEWS CENTER Maine what appeared to be a humpback whale tangled in netting, was towed into the Portland Yacht Services boatyard by the Maine Marine Patrol around noon.
Battle said the whale's cause of death was unclear.
Crews were attempting to load the whale onto a flatbed truck using a boat lift as of 3 p.m.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said on social media Marine Mammals of Maine and the Maine Marine Patrol were notified of a 40-foot humpback whale in a net off the coast of Cape Elizabeth on Wednesday. NOAA said the whale is known as "Chunk" and was first seen in 2015, the same year she was found in a "severe entanglement."
The whale was reportedly observed alive before it was reported to stranding responders, but was found dead when crews arrived.
NOAA said the whale will be brought to an inland facility for necropsy and disposal.
Marine Mammals of Maine is leading the examination with support from multiple organizations. NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is investigating.
NEWS CENTER Maine has sent a crew to the scene to learn more.
