A dolphin that appeared to be stuck in the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn has died, authorities said.
The NYPD and marine mammal experts from the Riverhead Foundation responded to the scene.
Earlier in the evening, Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne said that the mammal experts recommended waiting for the next high tide at 7:10 p.m. to see if the dolphin could free itself.
But by around 6 p.m. the dolphin appeared to beach itself on some rocks and lay motionless. Police put up yellow tape and asked crowds and reporters to move back.
Riverhead Foundation personnel soon confirmed that the animal had died.
It is not clear how long the dolphin had been in the canal, which is heavily polluted and has been designated a Superfund site by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The Gowanus Canal was originally built in 1869 as a transportation route for manufactured gas plants, mills, tanneries, and chemical plants in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Gowanus, Park Slope, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, and Red Hook.
After more than a century of storm water runoff, sewer discharges, and industrial waste, the canal has become one of the most polluted bodies of water in the United States, the EPA said.
"Contaminants include PCBs, coal tar wastes, heavy metals and volatile organics," according to the EPA website.
Friday, May 17 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:12:56 GMT
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:28:27 GMT
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:58 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:58:24 GMT
Prospect Park is a 558-acre urban oasis in the heart of Brooklyn; perfect for running, relaxation, and recreation. While hundreds take advantage of the trails and paths, many here were surprised to learn
Prospect Park is a 558-acre urban oasis in the heart of Brooklyn; perfect for running, relaxation, and recreation. While hundreds take advantage of the trails and paths, many here were surprised to learn
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:06 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:06:34 GMT
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
A smuggling ring that made a fortune selling more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes in New York may have funneled some of the illicit proceeds to terrorist groups, authorities said.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:17 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:17:42 GMT
Several New York lawmakers are sounding the alarm about security and safety lapses at day care centers across New York City.
Several New York lawmakers are sounding the alarm about security and safety lapses at day care centers across New York City. In a report released Thursday, dozens of daycares cited by the Dept. of Health for serious and critical health code violations since 2010, have not fixed the problems and continue to operate without penalty.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 11:08 PM EDT2013-05-16 03:08:35 GMT
A judge in Manhattan put the brakes on the so-called Taxi of Tomorrow because the Nissan-built minivan does not come in a hybrid version -- a violation of the city code.
A judge in Manhattan put the brakes on the so-called Taxi of Tomorrow because the Nissan-built minivan does not come in a hybrid version -- a violation of the city code.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 8:32 AM EDT2013-05-15 12:32:22 GMT
An opponent has filed a lawsuit against Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes claiming a scheduled film would give Hynes an unfair advantage in the September primary.
An opponent has filed a lawsuit against Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes claiming a scheduled film would give Hynes an unfair advantage in the September primary.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 9:54 PM EDT2013-05-15 01:54:43 GMT
The FDNY must subject itself to court supervision for five years to ensure it does not discriminate against blacks and Hispanics in its hiring practices, a federal appeals court said.
The FDNY must subject itself to court supervision for five years to ensure it does not discriminate against blacks and Hispanics in its hiring practices, a federal appeals court said.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 3:59 PM EDT2013-05-14 19:59:22 GMT
USDA photo
The tree-killing Asian longhorned beetle has been eradicated from Manhattan and Staten Island, but remains a problem in Brooklyn, Queens, and parts of Long Island.
The tree-killing Asian longhorned beetle has been eradicated from Manhattan and Staten Island, but remains a problem in Brooklyn, Queens, and parts of Long Island, according to state agriculture officials.
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