Humpback whale that washed ashore in Sandy Hook possibly died from vessel strike
The whale was a young female measuring 35 feet, 1 inch in length and weighing an estimated 17 tons.
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A 35-foot humpback whale that washed ashore at Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook this week died due to blunt force trauma consistent with a suspected vessel strike, according to preliminary findings from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.
The necropsy was performed Thursday, April 2, just one day after the whale was discovered deceased on the beach. Experts from the MMSC were joined by the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society and the MERR Institute to conduct the examination under challenging weather conditions.
The whale was a young female measuring 35 feet, 1 inch in length and weighing an estimated 17 tons. Biologists noted she was in good body condition.
Preliminary results showed significant bruises on the right side of the body and head. These injuries are consistent with a suspected ship strike.
The team observed old scars on the whale's flukes (tail), indicating a previous entanglement that she had survived.
The whale had been actively feeding prior to her death, as evidenced by a full gastrointestinal tract.
Following the examination, the whale was buried on-site at the beach. Biologists collected various biological samples for histopathologic analysis to determine if the vessel interaction occurred before or after the animal had died.
Statement from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center-
Preliminary necropsy findings revealed evidence of blunt force trauma, with bruising on the right dorsal side of the body and head, consistent with suspected vessel strike. Evidence of a previous entanglement was also observed, with old scars on the flukes. The whale had been feeding prior to her death, with evidence of a full GI tract. Following the necropsy, the whale was buried on the beach.
Various biological samples were collected and will be sent for further histopathologic analysis. The samples collected will help biologists determine if the vessel interaction occurred pre or post mortem (before or after the animal was deceased). When results become available, they will be shared via our website at the following link- https://mmsc.org/current-cetacean-data
