Whale Drifts into Surf off Torrey Pines State Beach

A dead or seriously ailing whale drifted into the surf off a beach north of La Jolla late Monday, authorities reported.

Beachgoers began reporting the presence of the huge sea animal in the waves off Torrey Pines State Beach about 5 p.m., San Diego lifeguard Lt. Andy Lerum said.

State personnel were called in to deal with the sea mammal, which appeared to be a gray whale, Lerum said.

An estimate of its length was not immediately available.

- City News Service