\ud83d\udc0b Heartbreaking loss: Young humpback whale dies near Long Beach Island after failed rescue
\ud83d\udc94 Euthanasia plan stalled by storm-damaged beaches and rising tides
\ud83d\ude81 Whale first spotted by NJDEP aerial team, later died overnight<\/p>\n
LONG BEACH ISLAND, N.J. \u2014 A 29-foot juvenile humpback whale that became stranded in shallow waters off the southern tip of Long Beach Island has died after officials were unable to euthanize it in time, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) confirmed Sunday.<\/p>\n
The whale was first spotted Friday afternoon by a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) aerial team west of Beach Haven. Officials described the animal as lethargic, emaciated, and bearing deep wounds on both sides\u2014injuries likely caused by a boat propeller.<\/p>\n
A 29-foot juvenile humpback whale that became stranded in shallow waters off the southern tip of Long Beach Island has died after officials were unable to euthanize it in time. (Marine Mammal Stranding Center via Facebook)<\/p>\n
A 29-foot juvenile humpback whale that became stranded in shallow waters off the southern tip of Long Beach Island has died after officials were unable to euthanize it in time. (Marine Mammal Stranding Center via Facebook)Euthanasia Delayed by Storm Damage and Tides<\/p>\n
Rescuers from the MMSC, assisted by the Coast Guard and Sea Tow of Atlantic City, initially hoped to humanely euthanize the whale to end its suffering. However, heavy beach erosion from last week’s nor’easter storm made local landing sites inaccessible, and the incoming tide and falling darkness Saturday evening thwarted alternative plans.<\/p>\n
Sedatives were administered to keep the whale comfortable overnight, but by Sunday morning, Sea Tow crews discovered it had died during the night.<\/p>\n
Tragic End to a Whale Recently Spotted Off NYC<\/p>\n