Swimmers Attempted To RIDE Beached Sperm Whale As Mammal Was FIGHTING FOR ITS LIFE

(iWIDK by Daniel Kiely) - A couple of swimmers in South Florida give new meaning to “Moby Dick.”

Officials from the  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are investigating claims that at least one swimmer attempted to ride a dying sperm whale that had come close to shore in Pompano Beach, Florida.

NBC South Florida reports that Margie Casey, 49, notified authorities after watching from her fifth floor condominium as the individuals attempted to mount and ride the whale.

Experts believe the whale, which died shortly after authorities located it, may have been injured by a boat or simply became ill. It’s unclear if the swimmers’ actions played a role in the whale’s death.

Harassing a whale is a federal offense and authorities are seeking the swimmers for questioning.