ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – A Minke whale got itself stuck on a sandbar in the back bay near Brigantine on Halloween, and a fisherman stayed with it until the tide came back in to set it free. He also brought a volunteer from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center out to the site to assist.
“While out on his skiff starting his workday, local bayman Eric Tucker discovered the 22-foot whale stranded on a sandbar and immediately reported it,” the Marine Mammal Stranding Center reported today. “Without hesitation, he volunteered his time throughout the rest of the day, using his vessel to transport our stranding technician and veterinarian to the whale’s location and staying on scene to assist. Fortunately, the whale refloated on the incoming tide.”
The group stayed with the whale to keep an eye on its health before it was able to swim out to deeper waters near the inlet.
According to the MMSC, the Minke whale is the smallest baleen whale in North American waters. They have a relatively small, dark, sleek body with a well-defined white band located in the middle of their dark flippers. This species can reach lengths of up to about 35 feet and weigh up to 20,000 pounds. The MMSC has responded to 32 stranded Minke whales since 1978.
Now that’s one heck of a ‘fish tale’ if you ask us.