A humpback whale was spotted in New York City waters, prompting officials to warn boaters to keep their distance.

What it means

A humpback whale has been spotted in New York City's Hudson River and harbor waters, a rare occurrence that has prompted officials to warn boaters to maintain a safe distance. The whale, believed to be a juvenile, has been observed feeding and swimming near Manhattan, drawing attention from experts and the public.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim is well-supported by multiple news outlets reporting on the sighting, including video footage and statements from local experts. The primary sources are eyewitness accounts and official warnings, making the reporting reliable for the basic facts.

How new

Genuinely new as of November 12-13, 2026, when multiple outlets reported the sighting.

Go deeper

• The Guardian (World) — first to publish