A tragic encounter has been uncovered on Rockaway Beach as scientists determine that a collision with a boat likely led to the death of a Sei whale found washed ashore.

Specialists from the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society conducted a thorough examination of the 45-foot marine giant that appeared on the beach last Thursday. Their investigation, commonly referred to as a necropsy, shed light on the whale’s unfortunate fate.

Upon inspection, telltale abrasions marked the whale’s right side, and further internal analysis revealed pervasive bruising in the surrounding tissues, according to statements from officials reported by PIX11. These findings strongly suggest that the whale’s demise resulted from a boat strike.

Initially observed floating approximately 15 miles off Long Island’s coast, the 40-foot whale eventually drifted to shore, coming to rest near Beach 95. The sight drew crowds of onlookers eager to capture the moment, leading to the area being cordoned off with yellow tape, as noted in a poignant Facebook post documenting the event.

The 40-foot whale was first spotted floating about 15 miles off the Long Island coast before it drifted toward land and landed on the shore near Beach 95.

Swarms of the curious rushed to take photos of the whale and had to be cordoned off behind yellow tape, according to a Facebook post of the heartbreaking scene.

It’s extremely dangerous to stand near a dead whale, said experts.

When a deceased whale becomes beached, decomposition begins almost immediately. The whale’s body begins to bloat, and the sunlight’s heat hastens the process.

As the gasses expand, the skin thins and begins to give way. The pressure inside the whale builds to dangerous levels and can result in explosive consequences — and devastating injuries for anyone standing nearby.

Sei whales are listed under the Endangered Species Act, according to NOAA.