Same whale carcass that washed up in Marblehead weeks ago returns to Swampscott

The same humpback whale carcass that washed up in Marblehead over two weeks ago has returned to the shores of Swampscott after being towed to sea the first time.

The carcass was seen Monday off Marblehead and washed up in Swampscott Tuesday morning, said NOAA spokesperson Andrea Gomez.

Several scars were found on the whale’s body when it first washed up in Marblehead, indicating a possible entanglement at some point in its life.

A tag was attached to the carcass on May 2, and officials chose a location to dispose of the body that would best prevent the possibility of it coming back to shore, Gomez said. 

“The whale did not decompose as quickly as expected, however, and yesterday was observed off Marblehead, MA, before landing in Swampscott,” Gomez said. 

Swampscott Animal Control Officer Scott Considine confirmed the whale is the same one that washed up in April and said officials are still working out a plan for how to get rid of the carcass. 

Gomez said Mass. Environmental Police are working with NOAA and EPA to develop a disposal plan. 

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