DFO searching for injured whale struck by B.C. Ferries vessel in Howe Sound
A B.C. Ferries vessel struck a humpback whale in Howe Sound, causing distress to the animal and concern among passengers. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is currently investigating the incident.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of marine conservation and the risks posed by commercial maritime traffic to protected wildlife populations.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) said the collision involving the Queen of Surrey vessel happened between Grace Point and Keats Island.
It said two humpbacks were observed in close proximity to the ferry at the time and one was struck.
Passengers aboard the ferry, which was sailing from Langdale on the Sunshine Coast to Horseshoe Bay, said they felt the whale being struck and watched it in distress behind the vessel.
B.C. Ferries said it takes incidents like the whale strike on Sunday very seriously. (Alanna Kelly/CBC)
Aspen Wing was travelling with her son when she said they felt the collision at 1:33 p.m. PT.
She said a group of girls shouted that a whale had been nearby, and her son spotted the injured humpback off the stern of the vessel.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in