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Dead Humpback Whale on Fire Island Was Likely Hit by Boat, Conservation Group Says

What to Know

  • A dead humpback whale washed up on Fire Island Sunday morning
  • The whale was "in an advanced state of decomposition"
  • A necropsy found the whale had trauma consistent with a vessel strike

A humpback whale that washed up on Fire Island was likely struck by a boat, a conservation group said Monday. 

The female whale was 33-feet long and "fairly decomposed" but had evidence of trauma from a vessel strike, said Rachel Bosworth, spokeswoman for the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society said. The whale washed ashore Sunday morning. 

Samples were sent to a pathologist to help confirm the cause of death. 

Another humpback whale was spotted swimming offshore while experts were conducting the necropsy, Bosworth said. 

Anyone who sees a whale is asked to report the sighting by emailing sightings@amseas.org.

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