A humpback whale calf with a significant wound close to its dorsal fin has been confirmed as the whale that was hit by a high-speed ferry near Vancouver. The discovery was made by Naturalist Sara Jenkins from Wild Whales Vancouver when she spotted the injured calf on Monday and took photographs showing the visible gash. The incident of the ferry striking a humpback whale occurred in English Bay on October 17, a few days before the identification of the injured calf as the offspring of BCX1193 Zig Zag was confirmed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to CBC News.
“The severity of the injury necessitates close monitoring of the calf’s healing progress,” stated a DFO representative. Naturalist Julia Adelsheim had also captured images of Zig Zag and her calf off Vancouver on October 16, the day before the whale collision. The proximity of the injured calf to the location of the vessel strike, along with photographic evidence, strongly indicates its identity as the affected whale, as confirmed by Adelsheim.
The photographs taken by Jenkins and Adelsheim were shared by the Pacific Whale Watch Association on social media. DFO reported that Hullo Ferries, the operator of the vessel involved in the collision, promptly informed the department about the incident, and the whale was observed swimming north following the contact. The Vancouver Island Ferry Company, which manages Hullo Ferries, acknowledged that its vessel Spuhels likely had contact with a whale during a routine sailing, with the crew taking immediate evasive action in accordance with safety protocols.
Marine expert Jackie Hildering expressed uncertainty about the calf’s chances of survival, citing unknown internal injuries and the whale’s overall health as factors. She emphasized the importance of understanding humpback behavior and increasing vigilance to prevent vessel strikes, especially considering the consistent presence of humpback whales in the area for feeding.
The calf, known as Skipper, is believed to have been born this winter and typically remains with its mother for the first year. Hildering highlighted the significance of the calf’s visible injuries, urging public concern and awareness for the well-being of these majestic creatures.
REWRITE_BLOCKED: This content contains specific details that cannot be rewritten without changing the meaning and accuracy of the information.