Marine conservation officers are currently on a search mission for an injured humpback whale that was hit by a B.C. Ferries vessel in Howe Sound over the weekend. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) reported that the collision involving the Queen of Surrey ship occurred between Grace Point and Keats Island. At the time of the incident, 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, reported feeling the impact of the collision and witnessing the distressed whale behind the vessel. Aspen Wing, who was traveling with her son, recalled the moment they felt the collision and saw the injured humpback near the stern of the ferry. Many passengers were deeply upset by the distressing sight of the wounded whale splashing in the water and emitting blood into the air.
B.C. Ferries expressed deep concern about the incident and its potential repercussions on the whale. Spokesperson Kit Billings mentioned that the whale surfaced suddenly in front of the vessel, leaving the crew with very little time to react. Efforts are currently focused on responding to the incident, informing the relevant authorities, and gathering accurate information regarding the whale’s condition and the impact of the collision.
DFO confirmed that B.C. Ferries is cooperating with the investigation. A DFO crew is actively searching Howe Sound to locate the injured whale. Notably, almost a year ago, a humpback whale was struck by a whale-watching company in a similar area, leading to another humpback whale washing up dead shortly after. The incident has stirred conversations about the need for preventive measures, such as reducing vessel speeds in whale habitats to avoid such tragic incidents in the future.
Jackie Hildering from the Marine Education and Research Society emphasized the importance of prevention and advocated for slower vessel speeds in areas frequented by humpback whales. Recent initiatives, like reducing travel speeds to 10 knots in certain routes, have shown potential in minimizing fatal strikes. The need for collaborative efforts to protect marine wildlife and prevent such incidents from recurring remains a top priority in marine conservation efforts.
