Marine conservation officials are currently on the lookout 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 incident involving the Queen of Surrey ferry occurred between Grace Point and Keats Island. According to DFO, two humpback whales were seen near the ferry at the time, with one of them being struck.
Passengers on board the ferry, which was en route from Langdale on the Sunshine Coast to Horseshoe Bay, reported feeling the impact of the collision and witnessing the distressed whale trailing behind the vessel. Aspen Wing, traveling with her son, described the moment they felt the collision at 1:33 p.m. PT. Following the incident, a group of passengers spotted the injured humpback near the stern of the ferry.
B.C. Ferries expressed deep concern over the incident and its potential impact on the whale. Spokesperson Kit Billings stated that based on initial accounts, the whale emerged directly in front of the vessel, giving the crew little time to react. Efforts are underway to respond to the situation, inform the relevant authorities, and gather accurate information regarding the incident and its effects on the whale.
DFO confirmed that B.C. Ferries is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. A search team from DFO is currently in Howe Sound attempting to locate the injured whale. The incident comes almost a year after a similar collision involving a humpback whale and a whale-watching company near Keats Island, resulting in the death of a humpback whale a few days later in the same vicinity.
Recent incidents of whale strikes in coastal areas have raised concerns. Efforts are underway to prevent such tragedies, with a push for reduced vessel speeds in whale habitats. The Marine Education and Research Society advocates for stricter speed limits in areas frequented by humpback whales to minimize the risk of fatal collisions. The society’s efforts align with the goal of turning these unfortunate events into catalysts for positive change and enhanced marine conservation practices.