Gray whale swims into Marina del Rey Harbor

MARINA DEL REY, LOS ANGELES -- A gray whale was spotted swimming close to shore in Marina del Rey Tuesday evening shortly after 6 p.m.

The gray whale was first seen swimming south along the shore. It made its way into the Marina del Rey Harbor, where it lingered, brushing up against the dock and boats.

Boaters and onlookers were urged to keep their distance.

The whale moved farther out away from shore, but remained in the area Tuesday night.

The whale appeared in good health and was believed to have been separated from its pod, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy David Scheinfarb.