THE SAD EPILOGUE

Naples: The fin whale spotted at Molo Beverello has been found dead.

The cetacean, spotted in recent days in the port of Naples, was recovered lifeless by the Coast Guard. With the threat to maritime traffic averted, an autopsy will be performed on Monday to determine the cause of death.

Naples News

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Gustavo Gentile

February 28, 2026 - 10:21

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Naples – The hoped-for happy ending didn't come to pass. The fin whale that had been curiously wandering the waters of the Gulf of Naples, near Molo Beverello, for several days was found dead. The sad discovery was made yesterday evening by the crew of the Coast Guard vessel Bruno Gregoretti, who encountered the animal's carcass adrift just near the port exit.

Recovery during the night and securing

To prevent the cetacean's body from becoming a serious threat to navigational safety and ferry traffic, the response team was activated immediately. The Port Authority dispatched the SAR patrol boat CP890 to the scene, which, supported by a vessel from the Naples Mooring Group, removed the animal from the entry and exit routes of the Naples port.

At first light today, the fin whale was safely transferred to the Piloda Shipyard. The company provided its facilities, machinery, and equipment necessary to manage the challenging handling of this large marine mammal.

Veterinary investigations and autopsy in Caivano

The priority now is to understand what happened. Experts from the Southern Italy Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute, the Naples Local Health Authority (ASL Napoli 1 Centro) (via their veterinary urban hygiene representatives), and CRISSAP (Reference Center for Fish Health Safety) reached the construction sites this morning.

The animal's final transfer is scheduled for this afternoon: the carcass will be entrusted to the Proteg center in Caivano. It is here, likely on Monday, that veterinarians will perform the necropsy. The autopsy will not only reveal the cause of death, but will also provide invaluable scientific data for the study and protection of these delicate giants of the sea.

A timely response

While the loss of the whale remains bitter, the authorities emphasize the promptness and coordination of the intervention. This swift operation saw institutions, law enforcement, and private individuals working closely together, ensuring safety at sea and protecting hygiene and the environment.