A massive 54-foot dead whale washed up on a Long Beach Island beach over the weekend is believed to have been injured after being struck by a ship.

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NJ.com reports the dead male fin whale washed ashore near the 19th and 20th avenue beach in Barnegat Light which is on the northern side of the island. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center was on the scene and the decision was made by officials to bury the whale on the beach.

The whale suffered numerous injuries including a major impact on his right side believed to be caused by a ship and massive bite wounds up to 18 to 24 inches likely caused by sharks according to Bob Schoelkopf the director of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center located in Brigantine.

The largest fin whale can grow anywhere up to 66 feet and can weigh over 100,00 pounds.

To report a stranding you can call the Marine Mammal Stranding Center's 24-hour hotline at 609-266-0538. The hotline is monitored 24/7.

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