Dead Whale on Container Ship’s Bow Prompts Investigation | Mariner News

A dead whale ship strike investigation has begun after a deceased fin whale was discovered on the bow of a container ship arriving in Camden, New Jersey. This distressing maritime incident immediately prompted authorities to launch a detailed inquiry into the whale’s cause of death and its unfortunate attachment to the vessel.

Discovery and Marine Response

The U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA, and the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) quickly responded to the discovery near Gloucester City. MMSC identified the deceased marine mammal as a fin whale, about 25-30 feet long. Teams successfully removed the whale’s carcass from the ship for a planned necropsy at a secure shoreline site.

Investigation and Logistical Hurdles

Determining if a vessel strike caused the death is the investigation’s focus. Logistical challenges, like finding an approved burial site for the 13-ton whale, have delayed the necropsy. The Bahamas-flagged reefer boxship had journeyed from Peru via the Panama Canal before its U.S. East Coast arrival.

Safeguarding Marine Wildlife

Fin whales, endangered in the U.S., are highly susceptible to ship strikes. Investigations like this are crucial for understanding and mitigating shipping’s impact on marine ecosystems. Findings will inform future strategies for marine mammal protection and promote safer maritime practices.