by InTrieste
video footage courtesy of Miramare Biosphere Reserve
A fin whale was found dead beneath the boats moored at Porto San Rocco in Muggia, near Trieste, in what authorities described as a grim and perplexing discovery. The carcass of the whale, identified as a Balaenoptera physalus, was first detected by local diver Stefano Apostoli after residents had been reporting a foul smell emanating from the water for days.
The retrieval of the whale’s body, which measured approximately 33 feet in length, took over four hours and involved a coordinated effort between local divers, the Italian fire brigade, and the Coast Guard. The operation took place on Friday afternoon after initial efforts to locate the source of the odor were ramped up.
Authorities estimate that the whale had been dead for about a week before it was found. The cause of death remains unknown, and its presence in the small harbor continues to raise questions. Fin whales are typically found in much deeper waters and are rarely seen this close to shore.
A Grim Discovery
Residents and visitors to the harbor first noticed a sharp odor four days ago, but the search for its source was slow, as the whale’s carcass was hidden underwater. By Friday morning, divers identified the remains lodged beneath several boats and pontoons. Once spotted, the challenging task of extraction began, with rescue teams working against time to safely maneuver the massive body out of the busy marina.
Divers from the local fire department, along with members of the Coast Guard, attached lines to the whale’s carcass and towed it towards a breakwater area outside the port. The whale was then transferred to a remote part of the harbor, where specialists are expected to perform examinations to determine the cause of death.
“The sight of such a majestic creature lying lifeless under the docks is truly sad,” said one of the rescue team members. “It’s rare for us to see whales in this area, let alone one that has met such a tragic end.”
A Complex Operation
The rescue teams faced significant logistical challenges in retrieving the whale. Due to its size and the narrow spaces beneath the boats, extracting it required careful coordination.
Veterinary specialists are expected to examine the whale in the coming days. Authorities are working with a specialized company to ensure the safe disposal of the whale, after examinations have been completed. This involves transporting the body to a facility equipped to handle such large marine animals.
While fin whales are a protected species, and their deaths are often a cause for concern in conservation circles, experts say that occasional whale strandings or deaths are not uncommon in the Mediterranean Sea. However, the discovery of a whale in a port so far from its typical habitat has left locals and marine biologists puzzled.
Global Implications
The death of the whale has sparked broader discussions about the health of marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean, where increasing boat traffic, noise pollution, and changing water temperatures have been cited as growing risks to marine life. Though it is too soon to tell if such factors contributed to this whale’s death, the case serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human activities and marine biodiversity.
