As the cruise ship approached New York on Saturday, it was found to be carrying a grim, and unexpected, catch: The corpse of a 44-foot-long endangered whale, draped across its bow.
The whale, which marine authorities described as a sei whale, is known for its rapid swimming and preference for deep waters, far from the coast.
Its body was discovered as the ship neared the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, and the authorities were “immediately notified,” said MSC Cruises, which owns the ship.
“We will continue to evaluate and update our procedures with our partners and the authorities,” she said.
Marine authorities said that they had towed the animal, estimated to weigh some 50,000 pounds, from the bow, and transferred it by boat to a beach in Sandy Hook, N.J., where they conducted a necropsy on Tuesday.
Persons:
“, ”, Robert A
Organizations:
Brooklyn Cruise, MSC Cruises, Atlantic Marine Conservation Society
Locations:
New York, Sandy Hook, N.J