A 39-foot humpback whale was found dead in Pacifica on Sunday and beachgoers gathered on Tuesday to have a last look as it was towed out to sea by a Santa Cruz tow boat company. After a high tide was seen, the company towed it way and will dispose it once they pass the Farrallon islands.

The total number of whales found dead in Pacifica this year has reached three. Officials at The Marine Mammal Center say that a ship might have hit the adult humpback whale. Preliminary indications suggest that injuries on the body of the whale appeared to have come from a strike from a ship in Pacifica over the weekend.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution said in a statement that researchers are using a remote-controlled hexacopter to gain insight into endangered humpback whales in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary off New England.

Researchers get a more accurate picture of health in the humpback after whale breath condenses on the sterile surface of the drone.

Non-invasive tests are being conducted on whales by using the toy-looking tool, allowing scientists to keep a check on their stress levels, track family history and general well-being. The non-invasive test involves analysis of DNA, hormones and bacteria levels.

“By examining marine mammals that wash up on our shores, we are able to learn more about how we can prevent future deaths. Even in the case of an animal that is starting to decompose, we may be able to document human impacts such as ship strikes that could help influence changes in shipping lanes”, said Dr. Shawn Johnson, Director of Veterinary Science at The Marine Mammal Center.