Caught on video: Massive humpback whale bumps fishermen’s boat off New Jersey coast

BELMAR, N.J. — A father and son were recording while reeling in their catch when a giant humpback breached the surface a few feet away.

According to CNN, Zach Piller and his father, Doug, spotted a few dolphins and sharks just off the Jersey Shore near Belmar but were completely caught off guard when a hungry humpback whale erupted from the water.

The pair were in search of bass and tuna in their 18-foot Starcraft when the water began to boil with small fish, followed by the massive mammal.

In the video captured by Zach Piller, the whale breaches the surface chasing the tiny fish and then smacks the starboard side of the boat.

“I got that on video,” Zach Piller said between excited swearing, according to NBC News.

The excitement didn’t break his father’s concentration though, he managed to keep the fish on the line through the ordeal.

Eric Otjen, vice president of zoological operations at SeaWorld San Diego, said the father and son were fortunate to watch that up close.

“The guys on that boat had the experience of a lifetime. A lot of people would pay a lot of money to see what they saw,” Otjen told Philly Voice.

According to NJ.com, humpback whales have become increasingly common off the Jersey Shore.

Between 2012 and 2018, there were 101 whale sightings between Long Island and the New Jersey coast, according to a study obtained by NJ.com. By July 2022, the number had risen to 257 sightings.

Federal regulations require boaters to stay at least 100 yards from whales unless other rules or circumstances apply.

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