Overview

• Low tides and limited access to heavy equipment have pushed the whale’s removal to Monday morning when Sea Tow will assist with towing the carcass.
• The Marine Mammal Stranding Center, U.S. Coast Guard, New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Sea Tow initially reached the scene but could only approach within 30 yards due to shallow water.
• Saturday afternoon’s impact in the Double Creek Channel nearly capsized the recreational vessel and threw a passenger overboard, though the individual reboarded and was uninjured.
• A multi-hour necropsy will aim to determine the whale’s cause of death and assess signs of any injuries that may have preceded the collision.
• Authorities are advising boaters to maintain at least 150 feet of distance from the whale remains in Barnegat Bay until the examination is complete.