The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary received reports of at least 25 sharks following the animal and harassing and biting it throughout Monday morning and afternoon.

Representatives from the sanctuary said that sharks preying on an injured animal is a natural process, but they were more concerned about onlookers who were getting into the water to witness the frenzy first-hand. (The picture above was taken by marine conservation professionals aboard their vessel by lowering a camera under water).

The whale died around 4pm and its carcass was towed three miles offshore and tied to a fishing buoy. Nothing remained of it the following day.