Video: Australians rush to pat beached sperm whale. It died two days later

A sperm whale that had previously come alarmingly close to swimmers at Port Beach succumbed to its fate after beaching itself on a sandbar on December 12. 

Despite concerted efforts by the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and the local community to save the distressed mammal, the whale died early Tuesday morning.

The incident was marked by the whale's unusual behaviour, including swimming in circles and getting repeatedly stuck on sandbars, which raised concerns about its well-being. Authorities speculated that the whale, typically an inhabitant of deep waters, may have been unwell or disoriented, contributing to its stranding.