Sixth right whale found dead likely died from vessel strike: authorities

Officials say a necropsy on the sixth North Atlantic right whale found dead this year suggests the mammal died after colliding with a vessel.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada says the animal autopsy on the whale, known as Clipper, was completed on Monday and indicated it died from blunt trauma.

READ MORE: Early necropsy results suggest right whale died after colliding with boat

The whale was found dead on Thursday, drifting off the Gaspe Peninsula.

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WATCH: Calls for government to do more to protect North Atlantic whales

1:52 Calls for government to do more to protect North Atlantic whales

The initial necropsy results for the mammal come after the Fisheries department said last week that another whale – the third of the six found dead this year – had also died after colliding with a boat.

More detailed results from both necropsies are expected in the coming months.

READ MORE: 6th North Atlantic right whale found drifting off Canada’s coastline: DFO

Meanwhile, officials an entangled right whale seen on Saturday has not been seen again but aerial surveillance to locate it continues.