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 near the ferry at the time, and one of them was struck.

Passengers on the ferry, traveling from Langdale on the Sunshine Coast to Horseshoe Bay, felt the impact and witnessed the distressed whale behind the vessel. Aspen Wing, who was traveling with her son, described feeling the collision at 1:33 p.m. PT. She mentioned that her son spotted the injured humpback off the stern of the ferry after some girls shouted about a nearby whale.

B.C. Ferries expressed deep concern about the incident and its potential effects on the whale. The company’s spokesperson, Kit Billings, stated that based on initial reports, the whale unexpectedly surfaced in front of the vessel, leaving the crew with minimal time to react.

Efforts are currently underway to locate the injured humpback whale in Howe Sound. Last year, a similar incident occurred where a humpback whale was struck by a whale-watching company near Keats Island, leading to the death of another humpback in the same area shortly after. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is actively investigating the situation and collaborating with B.C. Ferries.

In response to the recent incidents, advocates are calling for slower vessel speeds in areas frequented by whales. Jackie Hildering from the Marine Education and Research Society emphasized the need for prevention and positive change following these tragic events. She highlighted the importance of restricting vessel speeds in whale habitats to reduce the likelihood of fatal collisions.