UPDATE: VENICE, Fla. – Marine wildlife officials confirmed the sperm whale that beached itself off the coast of Venice over the weekend has died.
Law enforcement in Sarasota County, Florida, is collaborating with Mote Marine Laboratory to assist a 70-foot sperm whale stranded near Service Club Park in Venice. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is collecting samples to determine the whale’s illness. Due to hazardous water conditions, attempts to sedate the whale have been postponed until low tide on Sunday evening. Authorities fear it may become a recovery effort as nature takes its course. Vessels and civilians are advised to avoid the area, with police maintaining a presence overnight.