Fin Whale Causes Stir in Naples Port: Health Concerns and Rescue Efforts Underway
Naples, February 23 – A fin whale, approximately 10-12 meters in length, caused a stir this morning in the Port of Naples, where it was spotted near the Beverello pier, opposite the Maschio Angioino castle. The cetacean was seen navigating among the hydrofoils docked at the pier, appearing disoriented.
Following the sighting, a rubber dinghy and another Coast Guard vessel promptly arrived to monitor the mammal, while dozens of onlookers captured photos and videos of the unusual event.
Unusual Presence Prompts Expert Intervention
The presence of a fin whale in Neapolitan waters, particularly so close to the shore, is highly unusual. The Anton Dohrn Zoological Station was immediately notified, and by mid-morning, a team of experts was dispatched to assess the whale’s health and, if possible, guide it back to the open sea.
For several hours, researchers, accompanied by personnel from the Port Authority and the Zooprophylactic Institute, closely monitored the situation from a dinghy. Based on the whale’s movements, they hypothesized that its health might not be optimal, possibly due to an injury.
Port Operations Adjusted to Ensure Whale’s Safety
To avoid further harming the fin whale, which was repeatedly diving and reappearing several meters away, the Port Authority – Naples Coast Guard temporarily relocated the departure and arrival points for hydrofoils to and from the islands to another pier. This measure was taken to ensure that passing maritime traffic did not pose a danger to the cetacean.
In the early afternoon, the researchers returned to the Anton Dohrn Station as the fin whale moved out of their sight, possibly heading back towards the open sea.
Ongoing Monitoring and Public Awareness
The incident highlights the importance of marine conservation and the need for prompt action when wildlife encounters urban environments. While the immediate danger to the whale has subsided with its movement away from the pier, experts will likely continue to monitor the situation for any further sightings or signs of distress.
The event served as a unique spectacle for tourists and locals alike, but also a reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and marine ecosystems in coastal areas.
Further updates on the whale’s condition and movements are expected as monitoring efforts continue.
Source: https://napoli.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_febbraio_23/avvistata-una-balenottera-nel-porto-di-napoli-stupore-tra-i-turisti-5567c84e-d013-441b-915d-fd2cf899fxlk.shtml
