Rotting Whale Removed From Surfing Spot

San Diego County lifeguards used a forklift to heave a dead whale found washed up on a beach into a truck and transported it inland to be buried. It was the first beached whale of the year.

The 2-year-old, 30-foot-long, 5.2-ton whale was found at a local surfing spot last week and was beginning to decompose, lifeguards said.

Biologists from the National Marine Fisheries Service said the mammal had several deep gashes in its head caused by a boat propeller, but it was unclear whether those injuries occurred before the animal died.