According to local residents in Dakar, between 80 and 100 whales washed up on Yoff Beach late Tuesday night, 20 May 2008

Witnesses say nearly 20 dead whales have washed up Wednesday on a beach in Dakar, Senegal.

Dakar journalist Ricci Shryock tells VOA national police are removing the carcasses in trucks. She said the whales measure some 3.5 to 4.5 meters.

Local villagers say as many as 100 whales swam up to shore late Tuesday night. Fisherman were able to tow some of the animals out to sea.

It is unclear why the animals swam close to shore.

Some information for this report was provided by AP.