Dead fin whale drifted ashore in Washington, cause of death unknown

BURIEN, Wash., April 14 (UPI) -- A dead fin whale washed ashore near a state park in Burien, Wash., where officials said it was unclear how the whale died.

The Coast Guard received several reports early Saturday from people who saw the whale drifting about 100 yards from shore, KOMO-TV, Seattle, reported. The whale remains washed ashore near Seahurst Park at about 10:30 a.m., witnesses said.

Officials said about half the whale's body was missing when it reached the shore.

Fin whales are rare in the area where the carcass was found, officials said.

Officials said the whale may have been hit by a ship and may have died at sea.