A cruise ship arriving at the Port of Brooklyn in New York City made a startling discovery when a 44-foot endangered sei whale was found dead across its bow, marine authorities confirmed. The incident took place on Saturday and was reported by Andrea Gomez, a spokesperson for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries.

The whale's presence on the MSC Meraviglia, operated by MSC Cruises, was noticed as the ship docked in Brooklyn before heading to ports in New England and Canada. MSC Cruises released a statement expressing their sadness at the loss of marine life and confirming that they had immediately alerted the relevant authorities upon discovering the whale.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of any marine life," the cruise line officials stated. They emphasized that MSC Cruises strictly follows regulations set to protect whales, including altering itineraries in specific regions to avoid potential collisions with these magnificent creatures.

Following the incident, the dead whale was relocated to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, where it was towed to shore for a thorough examination. The necropsy, similar to an animal autopsy, was conducted on Tuesday, according to Andrea Gomez. Samples obtained from the whale will aid biologists in determining whether the whale was already deceased when it was struck by the ship.

Sei whales, which are internationally protected, are typically observed in deeper waters far away from the coastline, Gomez explained. Known for being one of the largest whale species, they play an essential role in marine ecosystems and their conservation is of utmost importance.

As investigations continue, authorities will look into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident to ascertain the cause of the whale's death and to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to prevent such incidents in the future.