18-foot whale euthanized after washing up along beach at Jersey shore

LOWER TWP, N.J. -- An 18-foot whale that washed up along the Delaware Bay in Lower Township, New Jersey, has been euthanized, according to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.

Officials responded around 3 p.m. Tuesday after a Minke whale was spotted on Sunset Beach along the 500 block of Sunset Boulevard.

(The video in the player above is from previous coverage.)

A veterinarian determined the whale was lethargic and in thin body condition with congestion in its lungs.

Due to the whale's condition, the veterinarian determined it was best to euthanize it to prevent further suffering.

Officials say water helps support the body weight and organs of cetaceans (dolphins and whales), so a beach stranding for any length of time lessens chances of survival.

The carcass was secured overnight so that a necropsy could be performed.