An ailing, endangered finback whale has been found washed ashore in a coastal enclave of New York City that was hard hit by Superstorm Sandy.

Emergency workers and marine biologists responded to a report of a 18-metre whale that was stranded on the bay side of the Rockaways, Queens. 

Biologist Mendy Garron says it's unclear what caused the whale to beach itself, but its chances of survival appear slim.

She says the whale isn't moving around much and ''looks very compromised.'' Garron says biologists are waiting for the tides to subside to determine what to do next.

The neighbourhood of Breezy Point is still recovering from the October storm that caused serious flooding and a fire that destroyed 100 homes. 

- © Fairfax NZ News