local
Pregnant whale found dead on bow of cruise ship, authorities say
By WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 24, 2026
· 2 min read
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU/Gray News) – A pregnant fin whale was found dead on the bow of a cruise ship in Alaska last week. A necropsy performed over the weekend by NOAA Fisheries, the Alaska SeaLife Center and Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services found blunt force trauma to be the cause of death.T...
Key takeaway The cruise ship arrived at the dock in Seward last Friday with the dead 61-foot adult female fin whale on top of the ship’s bulbous bow.
Why this matters in The Nashville
While the incident occurred in Alaska, the issue of ship strikes on whales has relevance to Nashville 's own waterways. The Cumberland River, which runs through the city, is a vital transportation route for cargo ships and recreational boats. Although fin whales are not typically found in the Cumberland River, other species of whales and marine life can be affected by vessel traffic. The concern over ship strikes highlights the need for responsible and sustainable maritime practices in all waterways, including those in the Nashville area. As the city continues to grow and develop its riverfront, it is crucial to consider the potential impact of increased boat traffic on local wildlife and ecosystems. By adopting slower speeds and implementing other safety measures, Nashville can help reduce the risk of ship strikes and protect its own marine life, even if it's not as diverse as Alaska's.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU/Gray News) – A pregnant fin whale was found dead on the bow of a cruise ship in Alaska last week. A necropsy performed over the weekend by NOAA Fisheries, the Alaska SeaLife Center and Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services found blunt force trauma to be the cause of death.T...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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