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30-Foot Humpback Whale Washes Ashore in Newport Beach

2/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A 30-foot humpback whale washed ashore in Newport Beach, California, on February 18, weighing about 10 tons and decomposing without a strong odor.
Tim Burnham, who filmed the scene, said the decomposition could attract sharks.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration plans to perform a necropsy to determine the cause of death.
Newport Beach officials urged the public to stay away from the whale because removal is not possible.

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Story summary

A 30-foot humpback whale washed ashore in Newport Beach, California, on February 18, weighing about 10 tons and decomposing without a strong odor.
Tim Burnham, who filmed the scene, said the decomposition could attract sharks.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration plans to perform a necropsy to determine the cause of death.
Newport Beach officials urged the public to stay away from the whale because removal is not possible.