Experts examine sperm whale for injuries; mammal is stranded in waters next to Fla. marina

Experts check stranded whale for injuries in Fla.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Marine mammal experts are examining a stranded sperm whale for injuries in waters next to a South Beach marina.

The Coast Guard said Tuesday that the nine-foot long whale appeared to have gashes on its back and was just on the surface of the water next to the Miami Beach Marina.

The Coast Guard is providing security to help scientists and a veterinarian from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration look at the whale.

Erin Fougeres, a marine mammal biologist with NOAA Fisheries, says the whale is probably a calf.

Helicopters are in the area searching for the whale’s mother. If they are unable to find her, the calf could be euthanized.