A 44-foot dead endangered sei whale was discovered on the bow of a cruise ship that sailed into a New York City port, marine authorities reported.
The whale was spotted caught on the bow of the MSC Meraviglia when it docked at the Port of Brooklyn over the weekend, according to Andrea Gomez, a spokesperson for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries.
Officials from MSC Cruises, the operator of the ship, confirmed the incident and stated that they immediately informed the relevant authorities upon discovery. The cruise line expressed deep sadness over the loss of marine life and emphasized their commitment to following regulations aimed at protecting whales.
The dead whale was later relocated to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, where a necropsy, or animal autopsy, was conducted on Tuesday to determine the cause of death. Samples collected during the procedure will assist biologists in assessing whether the whale was alive when it was struck by the ship.
Sei whales, known to inhabit deep waters far from the coastline, are among the largest whale species and are internationally protected. They are primarily plankton and fish consumers, with adults reaching lengths of up to 60 feet and weighing as much as 50 tons.
This incident is the latest in a series of endangered whale deaths along the East Coast. Previous instances include the discovery of a North Atlantic right whale found dead off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and the death of a newborn North Atlantic right whale calf due to a ship collision.
Environmental organizations have been advocating for stricter regulations on commercial fishing and shipping to safeguard whales. In Massachusetts, debates have emerged over proposals to impose speed limits on fast ferries to Cape Cod and the Islands as a measure to protect whales, with ferry companies raising concerns about potential service disruptions.
