Whale Collision in Barnegat Bay: Passenger Thrown From Boat in Shocking Incident, Officials Report

A tragic event unfolded in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, when a whale was struck by a boat on Saturday afternoon. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) received a report from the New Jersey State Police Marine Unit around 2:45 p.m. about a whale spotted near the inlet.

MMSC staff quickly joined forces with the U.S. Coast Guard and Sea Tow to assess the situation. Just after 3:30 p.m., a boat reported a collision with the whale, causing a near capsizing and a passenger going overboard. Thankfully, the passenger was able to return safely to the boat.

Sea Tow stayed on the scene and confirmed that the whale had died. Upon arrival, the MMSC’s stranding coordinator worked with New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Conservation officers to locate the animal, which was identified as a Minke whale, measuring about 20 feet long.

Due to difficult tidal conditions, the crew couldn’t reach the whale right away. They plan to move it to Island Beach State Park for a necropsy, but it will remain in the shallow area until Monday morning when conditions improve.

Experts note that awareness and caution are crucial for boaters, especially in this sensitive habitat. Research shows that vessel strikes can be a major threat to marine life, emphasizing the need for responsible boating practices. The MMSC advises keeping at least 150 feet away from the whale carcass for safety.

This incident highlights the importance of keeping our waterways safe for both wildlife and recreational activities. If you see a whale or any marine mammal in distress, you can contact the MMSC hotline at (609) 266-0538.

For more information on marine safety and wildlife reporting, you can visit the MMSC’s official website here.

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New Jersey, Boat Accident, Whales, Ocean County