Whale Dies After Barnegat Bay Boat Collision

BARNEGAT BAY, NJ — A Minke whale died Saturday after a collision with a boat that nearly capsized the vessel and flung a passenger overboard, according to officials.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) said they got a call at 2:45 p.m. Aug. 2 from the New Jersey State Police Marine Unit reporting a whale in Barnegat Bay near the inlet.

Stranding center staff worked with the U.S. Coast Guard, state police and Sea Tow as the Stranding Coordinator responded to the scene.

At about 3:40 p.m. a boater in the area reported that a vessel had struck the whale, causing the boat to nearly capsize and a passenger to go overboard, MMSC said.

While the Stranding Coordinator was still en route, Sea Tow, who had remained on the scene to observe the whale, reported that the animal was dead, MMSC said.

The whale, identified as a Minke whale about 20-feet long, was resting on a sandbar in very shallow water outside of the channel, MMSC said. Officials were able to come within 30 yards of the whale but couldn't come closer due to tidal conditions Saturday afternoon.

The whale will be moved Monday morning to a nearby state park for necropsy, which will likely take several hours to complete. Updates will be shared on the MMSC website.

"Boaters should be advised to use caution in the area north of Double Creek Channel in Barnegat Bay and to keep a minimum of 150 feet away from the whale carcass for your safety," MMSC said. "Please report any sightings to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center hotline (609) 266-0538."