Coast Guard warns boaters that a whale is in distress in the Raritan Bay

A possible humpback whale is in distress in the Raritan Bay, according to the Coast Guard.

The federal agency received a call from a member of the public on Saturday that a whale was observed entangled in material in the water, the Coast Guard said in a prepared statement. 

At 2:30 p.m., the New Jersey State Police reported that a whale had submerged and had not been relocated after a 30 minute search.

A 29-foot rescue boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook and a New Jersey State Police (NJSP) vessel arrived on scene shortly after and enforced a safety zone around the whale, all according to the statement.

The Coast Guard and State Police are on the scene at this time to prevent vessels from getting too close to what is believed to be a humpback whale.

The Coast Guard and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration asks that boaters in the area to keep a close eye out for the entangled whale and to remember to follow safe viewing guidelines, the statement read.

Boaters are required to stay 100 yards away from whales for their safety and the safety of the animal.

Humpback whales can reach lengths of 60 feet and can weigh around 40 tons, the Coast Guard pointed out.

Sightings should be reported to the NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Mammal Stranding and Entanglement Hotline at 866-755-NOAA. Any sighting can also be reported to Coast Guard

Erik Larsen: 732-682-9359 or elarsen@gannettnj.com