Whale dies after beaching self in Ponce Inlet, officials say

Sperm whale had beached itself Saturday afternoon

PONCE INLET, Fla. – A whale died after beaching itself Saturday afternoon in Ponce Inlet, Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue personnel said.

The sperm whale came ashore just after 1 p.m.

Officials said the Volusia County Marine Mammal Stranding Team and Hubbs Seaworld were deployed to the scene, but the whale had died.

The whale will be transported off the beach. Officials said a necropsy will be performed on it.