Fin Whale Found Dead on Cruise Ship Bow in Sitka, Alaska
A 57.5-foot adult male fin whale was discovered dead on the bow of the Norwegian Joy cruise ship in Sitka, Alaska. This marks the second such incident involving a whale found on a cruise ship bow in Alaska this year.
Champaign Urbana & Springfield Decatur, IL, September 21, 2026 —
A deceased adult male fin whale, measuring 57.5 feet in length, was discovered on the bow of the cruise ship Norwegian Joy. The discovery was made in Sitka, Alaska.
This incident represents the second occurrence this year where a whale has been found on the bow of a cruise ship operating in Alaskan waters. Details regarding the circumstances leading to the whale’s death or its interaction with the vessel were not provided in the available information.
Fin whales are the second-largest species of whale and the second-largest living animal on Earth, after the blue whale. They are migratory marine mammals found in oceans worldwide. Ingestion of prey, entanglement in fishing gear, and vessel strikes are among the known causes of mortality for whales.
The specific cause of death for this fin whale has not been disclosed. Investigations into such incidents typically involve maritime authorities and wildlife agencies to determine contributing factors, especially in cases where a vessel strike is suspected. Information regarding any potential impact on the ship’s schedule or subsequent investigations was not provided.
The location of Sitka, Alaska, is a common destination for cruise ships navigating the Inside Passage, an area known for its rich marine biodiversity.
Story summarized from the original created by Joey Klecka, Jayce Bertrand, Lars Hanson, Gray News staff on www.wandtv.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
