A 20-foot Minke whale died after colliding with a pleasure boat in New Jersey's Barnegat Bay, nearly capsizing it and knocking a passenger overboard. The incident occurred near the Double Creek Channel. While the passenger was unharmed, the whale, appearing distressed, was found resting on a sandbar. Officials, including the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, responded but couldn't reach the whale due to tidal conditions. The whale was later pronounced dead, and a necropsy is planned. Boaters are advised to keep a safe distance from the carcass.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.