Marine conservation officers are currently on the lookout for an injured humpback whale that was hit by a B.C. Ferries vessel in Howe Sound on Sunday. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) reported that the incident involving the Queen of Surrey vessel occurred between Grace Point and Keats Island. Two humpback whales were seen near the ferry, with one of them being struck.
Passengers aboard the ferry, traveling from Langdale on the Sunshine Coast to Horseshoe Bay, recounted feeling the impact of the collision at 1:33 p.m. PT. Aspen Wing, accompanied by her son, shared their experience of witnessing the injured humpback behind the vessel, causing distress among many on board. Wing captured a video showing the whale in distress, splashing in the water and emitting blood into the air.
B.C. Ferries expressed deep concern over the incident and its potential repercussions on the whale. Spokesperson Kit Billings mentioned that the crew had limited time to react as the whale surfaced abruptly in front of the vessel. Efforts are focused on responding to the situation, informing the relevant authorities, and gathering accurate information on the incident’s impact.
DFO confirmed that B.C. Ferries is cooperating with the investigation. A DFO team is currently in Howe Sound, searching for the injured whale. The incident brings to mind a similar event almost a year ago, where a humpback whale was struck by a whale-watching company near Keats Island in Howe Sound, leading to the death of another humpback in the same area shortly after.
The incident underscores the need for preventive measures to avoid such tragedies. The Marine Education and Research Society is advocating for slower vessel speeds in whale habitats to reduce the risk of collisions. The push for speed restrictions in critical whale zones has gained traction, with some routes already implementing reduced speeds to mitigate risks to marine life.
