A humpback whale died days after washing up on a beach in Argentina, despite frantic attempts by rescuers to save it.

The footage, captured on April 8 in the resort city of Mar de Plata, shows people trying to keep the whale alive by pouring water on top of it as a massive crowd gathers.

Meanwhile, other people can be seen tying bands around the body of the whale to later tow it into deep sea waters.

According to reports, the six-ton whale was malnourished and had an infection that meant its chances of survival were remote.