1HOLGATE, NJ – A young humpback whale that became stranded off the southern tip of Long Beach Island has died despite an extensive multi-agency rescue effort that spanned several days.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center said the animal was first spotted around 3:00 p.m. Friday by a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection aerial survey team.

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter confirmed the sighting near a sandbar off Holgate, where the whale appeared to be trapped in shallow water and unable to swim free.

Photos by Marine Mammal Stranding Center

Key Points

A 29-foot humpback whale stranded near Holgate, Long Beach Island, was found dead Sunday morning

The animal had suffered propeller injuries and was in poor condition when discovered

Rescue efforts were coordinated by state, f

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