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A humpback whale collided with a 34-foot fishing boat off Moriches Inlet, Long Island, causing hull damage but no injuries. The boaters had shut off their engine to avoid disturbing the whale.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
A group of fishermen experienced a sudden collision with a humpback whale while boating off the coast of Long Island, New York. The incident occurred near Moriches Inlet, where the vessel was struck by the marine mammal, resulting in structural damage to the boat but no injuries to the passengers or the animal.
Steven Heid, his father-in-law, and his nephew were fishing when they spotted a school of bunker fish, a common food source for humpback whales. Recognizing that whales were likely feeding nearby, the group shut off the boat's engine and began drifting to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
"You have to stay away from the bunker pods because the whales are feeding," Heid said. "I am a big conservationist, so I'm always very vigilant and careful."
As the boat drifted, the whale approached. Heid instructed his nephew, Oliver Samter, to record the event. Moments later, the whale erupted from the water and collided with the side of the vessel.
"It was like a freight train hit the boat," Heid said.
The impact ripped a door from its hinges and tore a hole in the hull, according to CBS News. The force of the collision nearly capsized the vessel.
"If it wasn't such a strong boat, I think we would've gone over," said boat passenger Steven Bashion.
Despite the damage, the 34-foot boat remained seaworthy, according to 6abc.com. No one on board was injured, and the whale swam away unharmed.
Samter, a senior at Roslyn High School, captured the encounter on video, which quickly gained attention online. "We got 11 million views in 24 hours," Heid said.
Marine experts noted that the fishermen appeared to follow appropriate safety protocols. Under New York's Whale Awareness Act, boaters are required to stay at least 300 feet away from whales.
Robert DiGiovanni, executive director of the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, said the group did the right thing by shutting down the vessel and avoiding active maneuvering near the feeding whale.
"You don't want the animal, you don't want any of these individuals hurt, so let's prepare and try to give them their space," DiGiovanni said.
Experts state that humpback whales found in waters off New York can grow between 40 and 50 feet long and weigh as much as 40 tons.
The incident highlights the increasing presence of marine wildlife in New York waters and the responsibilities boaters face under state law. While the collision caused significant damage to the boat, the outcome underscores the importance of adhering to the Whale Awareness Act's 300-foot distance requirement to protect both humans and whales.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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