Beachside necropsy performed on humpback whale

KURE BEACH (WWAY) — Marine biologists are working to determine what killed a juvenile humpback whale that washed ashore in Kure Beach.

Witnesses said the whale is between 20 and 25 feet. They said they believe the mammal washed up around 6 a.m. near the Kure Beach Fishing Pier.

A necropsy was performed on the beach by UNCW marine biologists. According to F.T. Norton at the StarNews, they don’t believe any exterior injuries caused the whale’s death.