Necropsy: Dead whale found in Commencement Bay was likely alive when ship hit it
Aug 27, 2026, 11:22 AM | Updated: 11:23 am
A dead whale at Commencement Bay. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) said a fin whale found decaying in Commencement Bay was likely alive when it was hit by a ship.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance said it found the whale on the bow of an Evergreen container ship on Monday. The 67-foot female fin whale was already decaying.
The remains were moved to a necropsy site on McNeil Island the next day. They’ll stay there to finish decomposing naturally.
Experts are working to determine how long the whale has been dead.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance said the ship that brought it in came all the way from China.
Fin whales are federally endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and listed as state endangered in Washington.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries will continue to gather information about this vessel strike, and experts will review the necropsy findings to learn how to reduce future risks to whales.
According to the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network, ship strikes have emerged as an increasing cause of death for large whales.
If you ever see a marine mammal stranded, report it to the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 1 (866) 767–6114.
