Dead endangered whale discovered on bow of cruise ship in Alaska dock

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Federal scientists link dead fin whale in Seward to vessel strike

   An endangered pregnant fin whale was found on the bow of the Ovation of the Seas after docking in Seward on June 19. Preliminary necropsy results indicate the animal died from injuries consistent with a ship strike. NOAA Fisheries is conducting further testing to determine the official cause of death.

   What's confirmed:

   • The dead animal was a 61-foot pregnant female fin whale.
   • The whale was found on the bow of Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas.
   • The ship arrived at a Seward dock on June 19.
   • Preliminary findings show the whale died from injuries consistent with a vessel strike.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The official cause of death is pending further testing that may take months.
   confidence 95%
2. 4d ago

   Pregnant Endangered Fin Whale Killed by Cruise Ship Strike in Alaska

   A Royal Caribbean cruise ship arrived at a Seward dock with a dead fin whale on its bulbous bow. Federal scientists conducted a necropsy on the 61-foot adult female. Preliminary findings indicate the whale was healthy and pregnant but died from blunt force trauma.

   What's confirmed:

   • A Royal Caribbean cruise ship arrived in Seward, Alaska, with a dead endangered fin whale on its bulbous bow.
   • The whale was an adult female measuring 61 feet.
   • Federal scientists determined the whale was pregnant and healthy.
   • A necropsy showed the whale died of blunt force trauma.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Investigators are determining if the vessel could have avoided the whale.
   • Conservationists claim ship speeds are a leading cause of whale deaths.
   confidence 100%