CHATHAM – An 18-foot minke whale that was lingering around Stage Harbor in Chatham Thursday was found dead early Friday.
Chatham Harbormaster Stuart Smith said the whale was spotted about 150 yards north of the Barn Hill town landing.
The whale was first spotted early Thursday morning and was monitored throughout the day by rescue crews from the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
It eventually headed out of the harbor later in the afternoon, but returned on the high tide.
IFAW spokesperson Kerry Branon said the whale appeared to become stranded between Morrison Island and Monomoy early Thursday evening.