(WHDH) — Area residents flocked to the Cape Cod Canal on Sunday in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the three endangered right whales that prompted the temporary closure of the waterway overnight.

Dr. Michael Moore, of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution said, “the opportunity to see these animals from the shore is a lifetime experience.”

The Army Corps of Engineers and the US Coast Guard closed the canal to all vessel traffic after the right whales were spotted. Luis Agosto was among those who came down for a chance to see them.

“To hear these guys were here is actually quite fascinating. I’m impressed the state took the initiative to basically control traffic here to protect them because these are very endangered,” he said.

It’s unclear when the waterway with reopen.

This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.

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