In an unfortunate incident, a young 52-foot, endangered whale was deemed healthy and feeding on krill in the Strait of Juan de Fuca before it was hit by a boat and killed.
What happened?
KIRO’s Chopper 7 was over Tacoma’s Commencement Bay when the rare fin whale floated in the water.
On 13 May, Biologists conducted the necropsy, one day after a captain of a cargo ship reported the whale was impaled on the bow of his ship.
Whale likely to have been impaled:
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reported on Friday that bows of cargo ships have spear-like protrusions underwater that likely impaled the whale and killed it.
“There was a significant amount of haemorrhage along the mid-back, which was determined to be the point of impact of the ship clearly while the whale was still alive,” read Cascadia Research Collective report.
Second largest and rarest:
Fin whales are the second largest creatures to ever roam the earth, only behind the blue whale.
They reach 85 feet and 75 tons and live up to 90 years.
Listed as an endangered species in the United States, they once were common in the Salish Sea. Researchers say they were driven out of the Puget Sound, nearly wiped out by hunters along with the humpback whales.
Cascadia Research Collective reports that events in recent weeks have highlighted some of the continued threats to whales in our region. A gray whale was struck by a boat a few weeks ago off Everett.
Disclaimer: This video is intended for informational purpose only. This may not be construed as a news item or advice of any sort. Please consult the experts in that field for the authenticity of the presentations.
Did you subscribe for our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Kiro 7
