Dead whale off Vashon may have been in Ballard Locks

A research group is performing a necropsy on a gray whale after it was found dead near Vashon Island on Tuesday morning, officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration saysd.

Researchers say based off its markings, the whale appears to be the same one who breached at the Ballard Locks on April 6.

The gray whale was found dead around 8 a.m. near Point Beals, west of Vashon Island. NOAA hired the Cascadia Research Group to tow the whale, and perform a necropsy.

The whale was very emaciated, and a juvenile. Researchers with the Cascadia Group say it's likely that the whale didn't get enough food last year to last through the migration fast. Gray whales typically fast for 3-to-4 months during migration to warmer climates during winter.

The necropsy will be performed Wednesday or Thursday, researchers said.