A tragic incident unfolded in New York City as an endangered 44-foot Sei whale was likely struck and killed by a massive cruise ship before being dragged into port. Marine experts believe the massive vessel was responsible for the death of the majestic cetacean, raising concerns about the ongoing threats to endangered marine species posed by large ships.
The Sei whale, an adult female, was discovered as the MSC Meraviglia docked at the Port of Brooklyn. A spokesperson for MSC Cruises confirmed the grim find. The whale was removed from the 19-deck ship and towed to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, for a necropsy, according to Andrea Gomez, a spokesperson for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. However, Gomez emphasized that it is too early to determine whether the whale was dead before the collision.
Rob DiGiovanni, the founder and chief scientist of the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, expressed his belief that the vessel likely contributed to the whale’s death. “It looks like she was eating,” DiGiovanni said, indicating that the whale was healthy with relatively fresh food in her stomach before the tragic event.
The Impact of Large Vessels on Marine Life
The MSC Meraviglia, a hulking cruise ship that weighs 171,600 gross tons and stands 214 feet tall, has been involved in similar incidents before. Last year, the same ship rescued 24 distressed Cuban migrants from a boat off the coast of Florida. The exact location and timing of the whale strike remain a mystery, but Sei whales are typically found in deeper waters far from the coastline, according to NOAA.
Sei whales are one of the largest whale species and are internationally protected. Vessel strikes are listed as one of the biggest threats to their dwindling population. The body of the whale was “pretty decomposed,” revealed DiGiovanni, but this does not help professionals determine a timeline for its death. Warmer water temperatures can accelerate decomposition, complicating efforts to pinpoint when the collision occurred.
Increasing Whale Mortality Rates
The tragic event is unfortunately not uncommon. DiGiovanni noted that tracking such incidents is nearly impossible because whales often sink to the ocean floor after being struck. The staff or guests on large cruise ships might not even notice a collision due to the vessel’s size, making even the world’s largest mammals appear insignificant.
These strikes contribute to an unusual mortuary event in the New York Bight Apex, the waters from Fire Island to the Manasquan Inlet in New Jersey. Since 2016, the deaths of humpback, Mackey, and North Atlantic right whales have skyrocketed from one to three per year to 12 to 14 per year. This alarming increase is a tragic side effect of more whales flocking to New York City waters annually.
The Importance of Vigilance and Caution
As spring arrives, the number of whale sightings in the East River increases. “We start to see increases in whale sightings now, so we urge boaters to use caution in the waters,” DiGiovanni advised. He encouraged ship captains to adopt a “Slow: Children at Play” mentality when navigating the open seas to protect these majestic creatures.
The death of the Sei whale serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by marine life. With vessel strikes being a significant danger, it is crucial for the maritime industry to implement measures to mitigate these risks. Increased awareness and precautionary measures can help protect endangered species and preserve marine biodiversity.
Protecting Our Oceans and Their Inhabitants
The tragic death of the endangered Sei whale highlights the need for greater vigilance and proactive measures to protect marine life. As the number of whales visiting New York City waters increases, the risk of fatal vessel strikes also rises. By adopting safer navigation practices and raising awareness about the threats faced by these majestic creatures, we can work towards a future where such incidents are minimized.
The incident involving the MSC Meraviglia underscores the importance of ongoing conservation efforts and the need for stricter regulations to safeguard endangered species. Protecting our oceans and their inhabitants requires a collective effort from governments, the maritime industry, and the public. Only through concerted action can we ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures and maintain the health of our marine ecosystems.
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