Debate Over Disposal of Dead Whale Settled

Officials have finally resolved how to dispose of a dead humpback whale that’s been floating off the coast since last week.

The 25-foot humpback calf carcass turned up Sunday, but officials took four days to figure out which agency should haul it back out to sea.

The police say it isn’t their job to dispose of the whale. The National Marine Fisheries Service says it’s just supposed to collect data on the whale, not get rid of it. City officials say it’s outside their jurisdiction.

Thursday, the state agreed to tie a line around the whale carcass and tow it to the harbor master, who will haul it about five miles out to sea.