Experts said the carcass of a giant whale shark that washed ashore at Pakistan's Karachi Harbor likely got lost and became trapped in the shallow waters.

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The cause of the animal's death was unknown Tuesday, but Muhammad Yousuf, owner of the boat that discovered the carcass, said it was dead when his crew found it Tuesday, News Pakistan reported Wednesday.

Yousuf said the whale shark carcass was sold to the Karachi Fish Harbor Authority for an undisclosed amount that was said to be less than the $18,700 offered by a bidder at the local fisheries auction hall.

Hina Baig, a biologist with the National Institute of Oceanography, said the animal must have become lost and ended up trapped in the shallow waters.

"Whales use [echo-sounds] to find their way in water and if a large ship comes in the way, they get disoriented," Baig said.