Dolphin Trapped In Filthy New York Canal Dies

A wayward dolphin has died after becoming trapped in a polluted New York City canal and before a rescue attempt could be put in action.

The marine animal had swum on Friday into the Gowanus Canal, which runs 1.5 miles through a narrow industrial zone near some of Brooklyn's wealthiest neighbourhoods.

The cause of death is still unknown, according to the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation. The dolphin died on Friday evening.

Earlier in the day a crowd of onlookers took mobile phone photos while a news helicopter hovered overhead.

The dolphin - which was about seven feet long - surfaced occasionally and had been seen shaking black gunk from its snout.

The New York Police Department had said animal experts were waiting to see if the dolphin would leave the canal on its own during the evening's high tide.

If not, they had planned to try to help.

The Gowanus Canal was named a Superfund site in 2010, which means the government can force polluters to pay for its restoration.