Cruise Ship Expected to Pay Fine for Killing Whale

Posted Jan 24th 2007 4:02PM by Eric Brodeur
Filed under: Flora & Fauna, Arctic

Five years ago, rangers with the National Park Service found the carcass of a 45-foot humpback whale in Glacier Bay, Alaska. A necropsy determined the cause of death as massive head injuries. A cruise ship was in the area a few days before and was accused of the whale's death.

Although the legal proceedings aren't finalized, it's expected that Princess Cruises will pay $755,000 to the National Park Service for "failing to operate at a slow, safe speed while near humpback whales." A large portion of the fine will go to support the Glacier Bay National Park.

With all the news about Japan's whaling spree, it's nice to see the U.S. is enforcing the law in its waters.

Reader Comments

(Page 1)

1. Does this mean that they will go after that other cruise ship that hit and had the whale still attached to the bow when it pulled into port a few months ago?

Posted at 4:12PM on Jan 24th 2007 by marclyng

2. I'm glad to see something is being done for our spectacular marine life, it's about time. We can't afford to lose anymore of our precious marine life.

Posted at 7:36PM on Jan 26th 2007 by Leah Leffingwell

3. This is appalling! For a cruise line to show such little regard for the marine life that they make millions off of each year, through whale watching excursions, is completely inexcusable. The cruise line should be restricted from sailing in these waters until they can show that they are responsible enough to sail safely.

Posted at 6:26PM on Jan 31st 2007 by mscolleena

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