An unexpected apparition marked yesterday morning in the port of Naples. A cetacean was spotted in the waters of Molo Beverello, probably a whale at least eight meters long. The animal swam until it touched the docks from which fast vehicles depart for the islands of the Gulf, attracting the attention of dozens of people.
For a few hours the large marine mammal remained in the body of water in front of the Maschio Angioino, alternating diving and re-emerging. An imposing and at the same time fragile presence, which appeared disoriented in a context dominated by naval traffic.
Suspended traffic and constant monitoring
The maritime authority has ordered the temporary blocking of departing and arriving hydrofoils. Routes were diverted to avoid interference with the animal, while curiosity grew in the port. After an initial total suspension, circulation was gradually restored until it returned to normal.
Coast Guard vehicles intervened on site and closely monitored the cetacean’s movements to ensure the safety of both the animal and the boats. The area remained under constant observation for hours, with citizens invited not to approach or disturb the operations.
The disorientation hypothesis
Specialists from the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station and the Istituto Zooprophylattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno also arrived to support the operations, called to evaluate the animal’s conditions and identify the most suitable actions to accompany it towards the open sea. According to initial hypotheses, it could be a young specimen that lost its orientation or that followed a ship into the mouth of the port.
Some testimonies report that the whale did not appear to be in optimal conditions and it is not excluded that it may have hit some boats during its stay in the port area. The last sighting occurred shortly after 4pm, just outside the entrance to the port. Then the cetacean disappeared. The hope remains that he has found his way back to safer waters, away from the traffic and noise of the port.
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