A cruise ship arrived in the port of New York with a 44-foot endangered sei whale lying dead across its bow. The ship, MSC Meraviglia, docked at the Port of Brooklyn before continuing on its journey. The spokesperson for MSC Cruises confirmed the discovery of the whale and stated that they immediately notified the relevant authorities for an examination. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries spokesperson stated that sei whales are typically observed in deeper waters and are endangered. NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident, and the whale was relocated to Sandy Hook, New Jersey for a necropsy examination to determine if the cruise ship hit the whale while it was alive or already deceased.
During the necropsy examination, it was discovered that the whale had a broken right flipper and evidence of tissue trauma along the right shoulder blade region. Tissue and bone samples were collected to help biologists determine the cause of the whale’s injuries and death. MSC Cruises expressed deep sadness over the loss of marine life and emphasized that they have measures in place to prevent collisions with whales, including training all deck officers with the Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) and following regulations to protect marine life. The cruise line also stated that they alter itineraries in certain regions to avoid whales and will continue to update procedures with partners and authorities.
The incident involving the sei whale on the bow of the MSC Meraviglia has sparked a thorough investigation by NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement to determine the circumstances surrounding the whale’s death. The relocation of the whale to Sandy Hook, New Jersey allowed for a detailed necropsy examination to be conducted, which revealed specific injuries to the whale’s right flipper and shoulder blade region. Sample collection during the examination will aid biologists in determining whether the whale was struck by the cruise ship while it was still alive or if it was already deceased. MSC Cruises expressed their regret over the loss of marine life and highlighted their efforts to prevent collisions with whales through training and adherence to regulations.
The discovery of the endangered sei whale on the bow of the MSC Meraviglia highlights the importance of conservation efforts and measures to protect marine life. The incident has led to an investigation by NOAA authorities to determine the cause of the whale’s death and whether the cruise ship played a role in the fatal collision. The necropsy examination conducted on the whale revealed significant injuries to its right flipper and shoulder blade region, prompting further analysis to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the injuries. MSC Cruises has expressed their commitment to avoiding collisions with whales through training and adherence to regulations, as well as their willingness to update procedures in collaboration with partners and authorities.
The tragic discovery of an endangered sei whale on the bow of the MSC Meraviglia serves as a reminder of the importance of marine conservation and efforts to mitigate collisions with marine life. The incident has spurred an investigation by NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement to determine the factors contributing to the whale’s death and the extent of the cruise ship’s involvement. The detailed necropsy examination conducted on the whale uncovered specific injuries to its right flipper and shoulder blade region, prompting further analysis to determine the cause of these injuries. MSC Cruises has expressed their sorrow over the loss of marine life and reaffirmed their commitment to avoiding collisions with whales through comprehensive measures and collaboration with authorities and conservation organizations. The incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and adherence to regulations to protect marine life and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
