Giant Whale Found Deceased on Container Ship at South Jersey Port
Delaware River port in South Jersey reports large whale dead on container ship bow. Investigators search. It was held in Gloucester Marine Terminal, a significant port complex at the base of the Walt Whitman Bridge between New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The 25–30-foot fin whale was on the ship’s front after a South American cruise. Marine Mammal Stranding Center, a nonprofit that rescues and studies marine animals, is investigating the whale’s death.
Coast Guard was notified late Sunday night of the stranding. Federal authorities stated the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement is investigating, but didn’t address the whale’s health or death.
The second-largest whale species after blue whales, fin whales live in deep oceans. Conservationists and authorities worry about this since the species is endangered.
Gloucester Terminals LLC operated Philadelphia-based Holt Logistics’ container ship. President and CEO Leo Holt said the ship brought vegetables from Panama to South Jersey. Holt denied the study would affect port operations or exports.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center will necropsy the whale to determine its demise. The whale’s carcass and port workers are protected during research.
Whale draped across ship’s bow, fin rising over Philadelphia metropolis, Marine Mammal Stranding Center shot. The unexpected occurrence and Delaware River marine life study were shown in images.
Gloucester City’s waterways link New Jersey to Philadelphia and various Delaware River trade ports. Such incidents highlight the necessity to monitor marine habitats near shipping routes.
Authorities and conservation groups are investigating the whale’s death to prevent future disasters.
Sources:
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- U.S. Coast Guard
- Marine Mammal Stranding Center
- Holt Logistics / Gloucester Terminals LLC
