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Dead, pregnant endangered fin whale found on bow of Alaska cruise ship
New York Post • • business
Key Points:
- A 61-foot pregnant endangered fin whale was found dead draped over the bow of the cruise ship Ovation of the Seas upon its arrival in Seward, Alaska, prompting a federal investigation into a suspected fatal vessel strike.
- Preliminary necropsy results indicated blunt force trauma to the whale’s jaw, spine, and ribs, consistent with a collision with the vessel, though the official cause of death is still pending.
- The Ovation of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean Group, carries over 4,000 passengers, and the company expressed deep regret and commitment to cooperating fully with NOAA Fisheries in the investigation.
- NOAA Fisheries Alaska is leading the investigation with support from local partners and volunteers, and the deceased whale will be towed back out to sea to decompose naturally and support deep-sea marine life.
- Fin whales have been classified as endangered since 1970 due to population declines from historic commercial whaling and are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
