Whale rams boat in Rye, New Hampshire
Two boaters were rescued after a whale rammed their boat off the coast of Rye, NH, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024
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Commuters taking the MBTA ferry to Boston will face delays today, but not for the reason you might think.
A young humpback whale is causing delays on the Lynn, Hingham/Hull and Winthrop/Quincy ferries in Boston Harbor, the MBTA said Wednesday.
The delays are expected to last until Thursday, the agency said.
The MBTA’s announcement comes amid a summer of whale watching in the region. A humpback whale was recently spotted out of Boston Harbor and Dorchester Bay, and last month one collided with a boat in New Hampshire.
Here you can find out everything you need to know about today’s ferry delays.
Why is a whale causing delays on the MBTA ferry?
A young humpback whale in Boston Harbor could cause delays on the MBTA ferry until Thursday, the agency said.
The setbacks are due to federal regulations that limit boats to 10 knots (about 18.5 kilometers per hour) near whales, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Ferries travel at an average speed of 13.5 knots (about 25 km/h), but can reach speeds of up to 36 knots (about 65 km/h), according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
When does the MBTA expect ferry delays to end?
The MBTA expects delays to continue through Thursday.
According to NOAA, humpback whales generally spend the spring, summer and early fall months foraging in the North Atlantic before migrating south to overwinter.
More: A species of whale that hasn’t been seen in Massachusetts waters for 20 years has now been spotted twice. What you should know
What types of whales are there in Boston Harbor?
Humpback whales aren’t the only ones seen in Boston Harbor and throughout New England this time of year.
Other species in this area include fin whales, minke whales and North Atlantic right whales.
