Dead Whale Caught In Ship At Camden Co. Marine Terminal

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ — A dead whale was found on the bow of a ship at a marine terminal in Gloucester City, according to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay reported the dead whale at 11:15 p.m. Sunday at the marine terminal, which is located along the Delaware River by the Walt Whitman Bridge.

The creature was tentatively identified as a fin whale of about 25 to 30 feet in length. Identification will be confirmed during the recovery and examination.

Fin whales are the second-largest whale species, growing 75 to 85 feet long and weighing 40 to 80 tons, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Threats to the species include climate change, vessel strikes, entanglement in fishing gear and lack of prey due to overfishing.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center worked with local assets Monday to remove the carcass from the bow and tow it to a secure location.

The organization is currently working with local, state and federal officials to identify appropriate necropsy and disposal sites.

The NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident.