Most are speculating that the whale was somehow ill and came into shallow water like whales do sometimes when they are in such a state. Then a tide which was much higher than normal, allowed the whale to come in closer than normal and when the tide waters receded, the whale was stranded.
Scientists tried to move the whale back into the water, but at over 56 feet long and 4000 lbs, the task proved impossible and eventually the whale died. A terrible ending for a rare species of whale.
