Deceased whale in East Providence identified by officials

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) —  A deceased whale spotted at Bold Point in East Providence has been identified as a minke whale that was seen in the area over the winter.

According to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and Mystic Aquarium personnel, the whale was observed in the winter months in the Providence River during barge removal operations.

It has been determined that the whale’s body should be allowed to decompose naturally due to its advanced stage of decomposition.

A necropsy would not be feasible at this time due to the advanced decomposition and its location.