A thrilling whale-watching adventure near Vancouver, Canada took an unexpected turn when a humpback whale surfaced in the path of the vessel, causing a sudden stop. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, October 23, prompted the crew members of Prince of Whales Adventures to swiftly maneuver to avoid a collision. The company reported to CBC that the vessel was able to stop almost immediately, minimizing contact with the massive mammal.
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Despite the quick actions taken by the crew, several passengers onboard the whale-watching boat experienced minor injuries due to the abrupt stop. Following the incident, four individuals were transported to the hospital on Granville Island by the B.C. Emergency Health Services for further medical attention. Prince of Whales stressed that the encounter with the humpback whale came unexpectedly, as the whale was not under surveillance at the time of the excursion.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) confirmed receiving a report regarding the collision in Howe Sound. They noted that the humpback whale resurfaced three times post-incident, although its identity remains unverified. Prince of Whales is fully cooperating with authorities in their investigation of the event. This incident occurs shortly after another humpback whale, a calf, was struck by a high-speed passenger ferry in English Bay near Vancouver.
The DFO highlighted the vulnerability of humpback whales to ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. Factors such as whale density, vessel traffic, and boat size and speed contribute to the probability and severity of such collisions. The southern Salish Sea has witnessed an increase in the humpback whale population in recent years, with an estimated 416 individuals utilizing the waters between Vancouver and the western end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
In October, the southern Strait of Georgia off Vancouver experiences high whale density, accentuated by multiple ferry routes and significant whale-watching activity. The DFO has advised enforcement officers and the Pacific Whale Watch Association to monitor the region for any potentially injured animals, particularly in light of anticipated inclement weather conditions and strong winds.
The safety of marine wildlife, such as humpback whales, remains a priority in areas with a high density of these majestic creatures. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible marine practices and the need for vigilance to protect both marine life and human passengers on whale-watching excursions. The interaction between humans and wildlife in such close proximity underscores the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, while also highlighting the delicate balance required to ensure the well-being of all beings sharing our marine ecosystems.