On a remarkable Monday, residents of New York City were treated to a rare spectacle: a whale swimming beneath the famous Brooklyn Bridge. This unexpected sight sparked excitement among onlookers and was confirmed by the U.S. Coast Guard the following day when they spoke with the Gothamist. At that point, officials were uncertain if the majestic creature sighted was a humpback whale or the endangered North Atlantic right whale, both of which are known to inhabit the waters around New York City.
Typically, humpback whale sightings are more frequent along the East Coast, though the summer months saw an increase in the population of North Atlantic right whales off Long Island, with over 80 sightings reported. The footage captured by Fox News exemplified the awe of the moment, showcasing the whale breaching the surface and spouting water through its blowhole just as the sun set behind the iconic skyline. Gasps of astonishment from spectators filled the air, capturing the thrill of such a rare event in a bustling urban environment.
As the whale continued on its journey, it was also spotted near the nearby Manhattan Bridge, providing further excitement to locals and visitors alike. In addition to this notable occurrence, Gotham Whale—a local organization dedicated to monitoring marine life—described the event as somewhat unusual. Research director Danielle Brown commented on the situation, revealing that as of the latest reports, it remained uncertain whether the whale still inhabited the New York City waters. With busy holiday travel in full swing, there was a possibility the whale might still be nearby but simply unreported.
Brown further hypothesized that there could be dozens of humpback whales currently swimming off the coasts of New York and New Jersey, indicating an abundance of marine life in the region. In a related sighting, Gotham Whale highlighted that two humpback whales—a mother and her calf—had been observed near Spring Lake, New Jersey, just the day prior. This pair was seen swimming in only 30 feet of water, close to fishing boats, underscoring the thriving presence of these marine mammals in local waters.
The organization took this opportunity to educate the public, cautioning that this time of year marks a transitional period where whale calves are beginning to wean and prepare for independence, making them particularly vulnerable. They urged observers to maintain a safe distance of at least 100 feet from all whales, and to provide mothers and calves with even more space during this critical learning phase.
This whale sighting is not a first for the Big Apple, as there have been previous instances where whales have ventured into the waters around Manhattan. For example, a humpback whale was spotted in the Hudson River in 2020, drawn by an abundance of small fish. However, it is worth noting that the region has also witnessed tragic events, including the wash-up of dead humpback whales along New York and New Jersey’s shorelines. Between December 2022 and February 2023, a troubling report detailed 13 dead whales found on the coasts.
Fox News Digital sought further comments from the U.S. Coast Guard regarding this incident, showcasing the importance of keeping track of the well-being of these magnificent creatures. The article was contributed by a dedicated team including Grace Taggart, Julia Musto, and James Rogers, with Andrea Margolis serving as the primary writer, who invites readers to share story tips through her contact information.
In light of these spectacular sightings and the ongoing concerns for marine animal safety, it is clear that the waters surrounding New York City continue to serve as a haven for these breathtaking creatures, presenting both wondrous experiences for citizens and significant responsibility in protecting their habitats.