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BC Ferries Vessel Collides with Humpback Whale in Howe Sound Near Metro Vancouver
The witness said the boat struck a whale and continued on, while researchers and advocates seek help identifying the vessel.
- On Sunday, a B.C. Ferries vessel, the 139-metre Queen of Surrey, struck a humpback whale in Howe Sound between Grace Point and Keats Island. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is investigating the collision.
- Passenger Aspen Wing described the scene as 'really disheartening,' noting she watched the injured whale blowing blood into the air. Wing said the vessel did not appear to slow down following the impact.
- BC Ferries spokesperson Lilian Kim stated the company is cooperating with DFO and recognizes how upsetting the collision was for witnesses. The operator claimed crew had 'very little time to react' when the whale surfaced.
- Jackie Hildering, a researcher with the Marine Education and Research Society , noted Howe Sound is a known feeding corridor for humpbacks. She warned these whales have unpredictable patterns and lack biosonar, making them difficult to detect.
- Boaters must remain at least 100 metres from humpbacks, with 200 metres required when animals are resting or accompanied by a calf. Hildering encouraged the public to take the 90-minute Whale Safe Boating Course online to help prevent future tragedies.
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Total News Sources15
Leaning Left7Leaning Right0Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left, 50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 50%
C 50%
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