Whale Found on Bow of Ship in Oakland

A 642-foot container ship arrived in the Port of Oakland on Thursday with a dead whale wedged into its bow.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports, scientist examining the whale believe it was alive when it was struck and was hit with such force that its body remained wedged into the bow for several miles. Scientist also say the whale was missing its head and there was evidence that sharks had been feeding on it. The 20 to 30 –ft long, whales body has been so badly ravaged that the marine biologists cannot determine whether it is a blue whale or a minke whale.

The container ship NORTHERN VITALITY was traveling from Los Angeles when the incident occurred. The vessel arrived at the Port of Oakland at 8:50 a.m. Thursday, where the whale was removed.

Officials say the number of whales hit by ships each year is unknown because it often goes unreported. The Coast Guard will sometimes send out alerts, at the request of the fisheries service, asking ships to slow down during whale migrations. Officials say the number of whales hit by ships each year is unknown because it often goes unreported.

Photo Courtesy of: Paul Chinn / The Chronicle