A humpback whale calf that was struck by a BC Ferries vessel is expected to survive, according to the Marine Education and Research Society (MERS).
The incident occurred on July 18th near the Tsawwassen ferry terminal in British Columbia. The calf, estimated to be around one year old, was hit by the vessel’s propeller and sustained injuries to its tail and dorsal fin.
MERS, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of marine wildlife, was alerted to the incident by a concerned citizen who witnessed the collision. The society’s research vessel was able to locate the injured calf and assess its condition.
Despite the severity of its injuries, MERS believes that the calf has a good chance of survival. According to the society’s executive director, Jackie Hildering, humpback whales are known for their resilience and ability to heal from injuries.
Hildering also noted that the calf was still swimming and diving, indicating that it was not in immediate distress. However, MERS will continue to monitor the calf’s condition and provide updates on its progress.
BC Ferries has also released a statement regarding the incident, expressing their concern for the injured calf and stating that they are cooperating with MERS in their efforts to monitor its recovery.
This is not the first time a humpback whale has been struck by a BC Ferries vessel. In 2019, a similar incident occurred near the same ferry terminal, but the whale was able to survive its injuries.
Humpback whales are a protected species in Canada, and it is illegal to approach them within 100 meters. BC Ferries has reminded its passengers to be vigilant and report any sightings of marine wildlife to the bridge crew.
The collision serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible boating and the need to protect our marine wildlife. MERS is urging all boaters to be aware of their surroundings and follow the regulations in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
As for the injured calf, MERS is hopeful that it will make a full recovery and continue its journey along the coast of British Columbia. The society will continue to monitor its progress and provide updates to the public.
