SEA BRIGHT, NJ — A long-finned pilot whale found stranded in the surf just north of the Ship Ahoy Beach Club on Wednesday was humanely euthanized after multiple failed attempts to return it to deeper water, according to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.
Witnesses first observed the whale, estimated to be 15 feet long, swimming back into open water before turning around and beaching itself again. The MMSC Stranding Team and a veterinarian were dispatched from Brigantine, while Sea Bright Police, Fire, and Public Works departments, along with volunteers, monitored the scene.
Upon arrival, responders found the male whale lying on its side, partially buried in sand from its own body weight and unable to move due to the receding tide and rough surf. The conditions, combined with limited beach access for equipment, made a manual rescue unsafe.
Veterinarians on site determined the whale was lethargic and underweight. “The whale’s weakened body condition, along with the animal stranding himself again when he was clear of the surf, made the whale’s prognosis for survival very poor,” MMSC said in its statement. A decision was made to euthanize the animal to prevent further suffering.
Whale transported for necropsy
Once euthanized, the whale was moved north along the beach to Sandy Hook with assistance from Sea Bright Fire Department and loaded into a Stranding Response Vehicle. It was secured overnight at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and then transported Thursday to the Atlantic County Utility Authority for necropsy.
Burial on the beach was ruled out due to the presence of euthanasia drugs, which can pose environmental risks. Necropsy results will be posted on the MMSC website once available.
The long-finned pilot whale, a species typically found in deep ocean waters, is known to travel in large pods. Since 1978, the MMSC has responded to 46 strandings of this species in New Jersey.