A dead whale was discovered on the bow of a ship at the Gloucester City marine terminal on January 4, 2026, prompting a multi-agency investigation.
> At a Glance
> – A 25-30-foot whale was found on a ship’s bow in Gloucester City, NJ
> – Tentatively identified as a Fin whale
> – Recovery and necropsy underway by Marine Mammal Stranding Center
> – Why it matters: Such strandings help scientists track marine health and ship-strike risks
The discovery was reported to the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay around 11:15 p.m. on Sunday. Officials quickly alerted the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, which arrived Monday to remove the carcass.
Recovery Operation
The Stranding Center team secured the whale and towed it to a nearby secure location for further examination. Staff are now coordinating with:
- Local authorities
- State agencies
- Federal officials
| Action | Status |
|---|---|
| Whale removal | Complete |
| Species ID | Pending necropsy |
| Disposal site | Under review |
A final identification will be confirmed once the animal is fully examined.
Next Steps
Authorities are searching for an appropriate necropsy and disposal site. Results from the examination may clarify how the whale died and whether a vessel strike was involved.
Key Takeaways
- Fin whale population status makes each stranding significant
- Ship strikes are a documented threat to large whales
- Data collected will feed into regional marine conservation efforts
The investigation continues as officials await necropsy findings.
