Baby humpback whale meets tragic end off New Jersey coast in suspected propeller strike
Share and Follow

A baby humpback whale has died after becoming stranded on a sandbar near Long Beach Island, New Jersey. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center suspects the whale suffered injuries from a boat propeller, according to their statement.

The whale endured at least two nights trapped before it succumbed to its condition.

Initially reported at around 3 p.m. local time on Friday, the 29-foot humpback was seen off the Holgate coast.

Gotham Whale, a marine research organization, also noted the whale’s struggle to feed in the waters close to Rockaway.

Exterior shot of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center sign

The marine center confirmed that a team located the whale in shallow waters on the west side of Holgate, as indicated by Google Maps.

In the press release posted online, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center explained how they were working to tow the young whale Tuesday after it had sadly died.

The center also detailed how on Friday a team had spotted the whale in shallow water off the west side of Holgate, where the whale then appeared to be beached on a sandbar. 

The whale was identified as a young humpback when they eventually reached it.

The team described how the whale was lethargic and in very thin body condition, with “wounds consistent with a previous propeller strike” present across both the left and right dorsal sides of the whale.

An image of an injured humpback whale in the water

The marine center said the whale was lethargic and in very thin body condition when they examined it. (Marine Mammal Stranding Center)

The whale’s prognosis by medical examiners was also extremely poor, and it was unlikely to survive, the release said.

“Sedatives were administered to keep the animal comfortable until operations could resume safely the following daytime low tide,” it said.

The center confirmed online that the whale “was monitored until well after dark on Saturday 10/18 by the MMSC Stranding Team, our network partners Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, and NJ Fish and Wildlife Conservation Officers.” 

Holgate

The 29-foot humpback was first spotted off the coast of Holgate. (Google Maps)

The monitoring was said to have continued into the night and before the team discovered that the animal had sadly passed away.

“Our entire team is deeply saddened by every deceased animal that we investigate, but the ones that hit the hardest are animals like this young whale who never got the chance to contribute to their species,” the press release concluded.

Fox News Digital has reached out to MMSC and Gotham Whale for further comment.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Michael Wolff told Jeffrey Epstein he could end Trump's 2016 campaign

Michael Wolff Claimed He Had the Power to Halt Trump’s 2016 Campaign, Reveals Conversation with Jeffrey Epstein

Controversial author Michael Wolff once suggested to his acquaintance Jeffrey Epstein that…
South Loop's Game Changer: Inside 'The 78,' Chicago Fire Stadium, ABC7 Tanja Babich visits Overflow coffee at 14th and Michigan

South Loop Transformation: A Look Inside ‘The 78’ Featuring Chicago Fire Stadium and ABC7’s Tanja Babich’s Visit to Overflow Coffee at 14th and Michigan

CHICAGO — Our latest Coffee Chat Series made its debut in Chicago’s…
Grandmother allegedly kills 5-year-old grandson while driving impaired in family driveway

Tragic Driveway Incident: Impaired Grandmother Accused in Heartbreaking Death of 5-Year-Old Grandson

A devastating incident unfolded in Louisiana when a grandmother was taken into…
Jimmy Kimmel breaks down in tears honoring late bandleader, friend

Jimmy Kimmel’s Emotional Tribute: Late Bandleader and Friend Remembered in Tearful Monologue

It was an evening filled with heartfelt emotions as Jimmy Kimmel paid…
Jake Paul to fight Anthony Joshua in blockbuster heavyweight showdown

Jake Paul Set to Face Anthony Joshua in Highly Anticipated Heavyweight Battle

Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul are on the brink of sealing a…
WATCH: Teen arrested after alleged wild shovel attack on police cruiser in ritzy Florida neighborhood

Shocking Incident: Teen Allegedly Attacks Police Cruiser with Shovel in Upscale Florida Area

A teenager from Florida has found herself in legal trouble after reportedly…
Robber’s fake limp vanishes during bank heist caught on camera, police say

Caught on Camera: Bank Robber Drops Fake Limp During Heist, Police Report

A man who initially hobbled into a Louisiana bank with the aid…
What gives the Giants a leg up in their coaching search

Discover the Key Advantage Boosting the Giants in Their Hunt for a New Coach

When a prospective head coach evaluates a new opportunity, two critical questions…