Dead Humpback Whale Washes Up On Fire Island

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) - Authorities say a dead humpback whale washed up near the east end of Fire Island.

A spokeswoman for the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research & Preservation told Newsday  that the organization was making plans to do an on-scene necropsy.

The whale was discovered Tuesday afternoon in an area not easily accessible. She says the necropsy has to be done on the scene at low tide.

She says heavy equipment will be needed to pull the whale away from the surf on Wednesday. A thunderstorm is expected Wednesday afternoon.

Humpacks are endangered.