Rare Humpback Whale Spotted in New York City’s East River

The sighting, the first in two years, prompted safety warnings for boaters as experts speculate the whale was drawn by abundant fish.

A humpback whale was seen in the East River near the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges on Monday, marking a rare occurrence for the species in the area.
The U.S. Coast Guard issued a marine safety broadcast urging boaters to reduce speeds and exercise caution to avoid collisions with the whale.
Experts from Gotham Whale believe the whale, likely a juvenile, ventured into the river in search of food, particularly Atlantic menhaden, a common prey species in the area.
The whale’s presence highlights the risks posed by high boat traffic in the East River, with experts urging the public to report future sightings for monitoring and safety efforts.
While sightings of whales in New York City’s waterways are uncommon, they are not unprecedented, with the last East River humpback sighting reported in 2022 and occasional dolphin appearances in the Hudson River.