local
Pregnant whale found dead on bow of cruise ship, authorities say
By KGNS — Sitewide
· 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 Laredo
While the incident occurred in Alaska, the issue of ship strikes on whales has relevance to Laredo 's own maritime trade. The Port of Laredo, a major hub for international cargo, sees a significant amount of vessel traffic, which can pose a threat to marine life in the Gulf of Mexico. As the city continues to grow and develop its port, it's crucial to consider the potential environmental impacts, including the risk of ship strikes on whales and other marine animals. The call for slower vessel speeds, as suggested by marine ecologist Rick Steiner, could be an important consideration for local authorities and the shipping industry to reduce the risk of such incidents in our own waters. By adopting safer and more sustainable practices, Laredo can help protect its marine ecosystem and preserve the health of the Gulf of Mexico.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
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 KGNS — Sitewide and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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