Young Gray Whale may have Headed to Sea

A young gray whale that swam into Marina del Rey harbor was not seen Wednesday morning, leading some to believe it returned to the ocean.

The calf, which was about 18 feet long, was first spotted off the coast of Topanga Canyon on Tuesday, said Peter Wallerstein, president of Marine Animal Rescue.

It was traveling south along the coast, drawing onlookers in Santa Monica, Venice and Marina del Rey. By 6 p.m., the whale swam into Marina del Rey.

Wallerstein said it’s not unusual for a calf to part from its parents and explore the coast, feed off the ocean floor and rub in the sand.

“It might be old enough or big enough to be on its own,” he said.