A whale that has been in waters off Sai Kung since the middle of the month is feared to have died, with authorities finding a carcass in the area.

Police have yet to confirm that the carcass discovered in waters near Shelter Island on Monday morning is that of the Bryde's whale.

The Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department is looking into the matter.

The department recently urged people to leave the whale in peace and speedboats were told to keep their distance. Photos of mammal had shown two deep cuts on its back that may have been caused by a boat propeller – though it's not clear when the injury was inflicted.

The Dolphin Conservation Society said last week that the whale had been in Hong Kong waters for longer than expected and it could have been lost.