A necropsy of a deceased Sperm Whale washed ashore on the North Oregon Coast determined it died after being struck by a passing ship. Biologists say the 40-foot whale had been dead for a while before washing ashore near the remains of the wreck of the Peter Iredale on Saturday, Jan. 14 at Fort Stevens State Park, west of Astoria. Large gashes were discovered on the whale from a ship strike, but they added it is unclear if the strike occurred before or after death. The whale will be buried on the beach. A baby California Gray Whale also washed ashore Wednesday near the where the Sperm Whale was discovered. Officials say it died before beaching.
