A cruise ship approaching New York was discovered carrying the body of a 44-foot-long endangered sei whale draped across its bow. The whale was known for its rapid swimming and preference for deep waters. Despite the ship’s comprehensive measures to avoid collisions, the authorities were notified of the discovery. The whale, estimated to weigh 50,000 pounds, was towed from the bow and transferred to a beach in Sandy Hook, N.J., where a necropsy was conducted.
Preliminary results of the necropsy revealed broken bones in the whale’s right flipper, tissue trauma along its right shoulder blade, and a full stomach with a decent layer of blubber. These findings suggested that the whale was likely in good health before being struck and killed by the ship. The investigation is ongoing, and samples have been collected to test for contaminants and other biotoxins that could indicate additional health issues. The animal appeared to have been alive when it was hit and investigators have not ruled out other factors contributing to its death.
The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, which led the investigation, had dealt with over 100 whale strandings in recent years, primarily involving humpback and North Atlantic right whales. Sei whales, like the one discovered, are less commonly encountered. They typically inhabit subtropical, temperate, and subpolar waters and were historically hunted for their meat and oil, leading to a depleted population under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The death of the sei whale serves as a reminder that humans share the open water with many other mammals.
The conservation group emphasized the importance of making people aware of how to safely operate in the presence of marine mammals. Mariners along the East Coast were encouraged to slow down their vessels, remain vigilant, and report any sightings of dead, injured, or entangled whales to the authorities. The incident highlighted the need for heightened awareness and precautions to prevent similar collisions in the future. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration emphasized the need for mariners to exercise caution and care when navigating waters frequented by marine wildlife, including endangered species like sei whales.
