Young sperm whale dies on Fla. beach

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla., July 16 (UPI) -- Officials in Hallandale Beach, Fla., said a young sperm whale died after beaching itself on the city's coast.

Hallandale Beach Fire Rescue spokeswoman Yvonne M. Feijoo said the 3-foot-long whale was first reported beached at the South Life Guard Tower at about 10:20 p.m. Thursday, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Thursday.

A Marine Animal Rescue veterinarian who led the attempt to save the sperm whale said the mammal died due to its young age and physical condition.

Feijoo said rescuers were joined at the scene by members of the Hallandale Beach Police Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.