Watch: one person tossed overboard after minke whale struck in barnegat inlet
A US Coast Guard Boat in the Barnegat Light Inlet.

Watch: One Person Tossed Overboard After Minke Whale Struck in Barnegat Inlet

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1 min read
August 3, 2025

A 20-foot Minke whale was killed in Barnegat Bay on Saturday after being struck by a vessel, prompting a coordinated emergency response and plans for a necropsy early Monday.

https:// /wakeupnj/status/1951811401887936670

At 2:45 p.m., the Marine Mammal Stranding Center received a report from the New Jersey State Police Marine Unit of a whale spotted near the inlet. Just under an hour later, a boater contacted officials to report a collision between a vessel and the whale, which nearly caused the boat to capsize and resulted in a passenger going overboard.

Watch: one person tossed overboard after minke whale struck in barnegat inlet
Photo: watch: one person tossed overboard after minke whale struck in barnegat inlet

Sea Tow personnel, who remained at the scene to monitor the animal, confirmed the whale was dead by the time the Stranding Coordinator arrived. The whale had drifted to a sandbar in shallow water outside of the main navigational channel. The crew was able to observe the animal from 30 yards but could not approach closer due to tidal conditions.

Officials identified the species as a Minke whale, commonly found in the North Atlantic but rarely seen this close to shore in Barnegat Bay. The whale is scheduled to be towed to a New Jersey state park on Monday morning, where a full necropsy will be performed by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center to determine the cause of death and assess for any pre-existing health conditions.

Boaters in the area north of Double Creek Channel have been advised to maintain a distance of at least 150 feet from the whale carcass and to navigate with caution. Sightings or related incidents can be reported to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center hotline.

Key Points

  • A Minke whale was struck and killed by a boat in Barnegat Bay Saturday afternoon
  • The whale will be moved and examined during a necropsy on Monday morning
  • Boaters are urged to keep 150 feet away from the carcass and exercise caution in the area
Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

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