HOLGATE, NJ – A young humpback whale that became stranded off the southern tip of Long Beach Island has died despite an extensive multi-agency rescue effort that spanned several days.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center said the animal was first spotted around 3:00 p.m. Friday by a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection aerial survey team.
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter confirmed the sighting near a sandbar off Holgate, where the whale appeared to be trapped in shallow water and unable to swim free.
Key Points
- A 29-foot humpback whale stranded near Holgate, Long Beach Island, was found dead Sunday morning
- The animal had suffered propeller injuries and was in poor condition when discovered
- Rescue efforts were coordinated by state, federal, and local agencies, including the Coast Guard and New Jersey State Police
Whale found lethargic and injured
On Saturday morning, a New Jersey State Police Marine Unit transported the Marine Mammal Stranding Center team to the site. The whale, estimated at 29 feet long, was found to be severely underweight and lethargic, with visible wounds consistent with a prior propeller strike.
Experts determined the whale’s prognosis was poor and that it was unlikely to survive. Because the animal was stranded on a sandbar, its own weight caused additional internal injuries, further diminishing its chances.
Euthanasia delayed as tide and darkness close in
Efforts to humanely euthanize the whale were delayed by the incoming tide and fading daylight Saturday evening. Sedatives were administered to keep the animal calm overnight as teams monitored its condition alongside partners from the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society and New Jersey Fish & Wildlife.
By Sunday morning, Sea Tow of Atlantic City reported the whale had died during the night. A stranding team confirmed its death and conducted an examination at the scene.
Whale previously identified in New York waters
The whale was later identified by Gotham Whale as “NYCO476,” first sighted on October 2 in the New York Bight by American Princess Cruises. At that time, researchers noted the whale’s propeller wounds and emaciated state, suggesting it had struggled to feed for weeks.
Marine Mammal Stranding Center officials expressed deep sadness over the loss, emphasizing the toll of human impacts on marine life. Agencies involved included the New Jersey DEP, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and NOAA.
Further details and updates will be shared through the Marine Mammal Stranding Center’s media portal at mmsc.org/mmsc-media-center.