A beached whale found on Boxing Day on the NSW south coast has died.
Whale rescue organisation ORRCA said the 12-metre Bryde's whale weakened overnight, despite hopes a high tide could help it reach the ocean, and it died around 5am (AEDT) on Monday.
Members of the public discovered the whale on Seven Mile Beach near Shoalhaven Heads village just before midday on Sunday and waited by its side until help arrived.
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ORRCA rescuers and National Park rangers assisted the animal by keeping it moist and shaded, but volunteer Shona Lorigan said it weakened overnight.
"We thought from its condition that it was weakening," Ms Lorigan said.
"It's really hard for the volunteers who have spent the night there."
Ms Lorigan said disposing of the whale's carcass was now the responsibility of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
"At this stage, National Parks are in control, but the whale is in an awkward position," she said.
Another Bryde's whale became stranded in early December at Iluka on the state's north coast, but it died within a few hours of being found.
