Young humpback whale washes ashore in Delaware after possible ship strike, officials say

A young 32-foot humpback washed ashore near Bethany Beach on Jan. 8, and a MERR Institute necropsy found injuries officials said are consistent with a ship strike.

A young 32-foot humpback whale washed ashore near Bethany Beach, Delaware, on Jan. 8 after floating at sea for several days. The MERR Institute, a marine mammal rescue and care facility in Lewes, conducted a post-mortem examination. Officials reported subdermal hemorrhaging and a broken jaw on the right side, injuries they said are often associated with large ship strikes. After the examination, the whale was buried on the beach. Known facts: - On Jan. 8 a 32-foot humpback whale washed ashore near Bethany Beach after being at sea for days. - The MERR Institute performed a necropsy and reported subdermal hemorrhaging and a broken right jaw. - Officials said the injuries are often linked to large ship strikes and that the whale was likely still alive when struck. - The whale was buried on the beach, with support from local volunteers and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Summary: MERR Institute officials reported necropsy findings they said are consistent with a ship strike, and the animal was interred on the beach after examination. Undetermined at this time.