A young humpback whale in the waters off Vancouver has been spotted with a deep gash on its back, likely caused by a recent collision with a ferry, as shared by the Pacific Whale Watch Association. The calf was seen just a few kilometers away from where the incident occurred, showing a noticeable injury at the base of its dorsal fin.
The association highlighted the severity of the gash by comparing it to a photo of the same whale taken a few days prior, showing it unharmed. Despite the alarming injury, the calf was observed swimming alongside its mother, known as Zig Zag, on Monday, emphasizing the importance of caution for boaters in the area.
Hullo Ferries, the company operating high-speed catamarans between Vancouver and Nanaimo, acknowledged the likelihood of one of its vessels colliding with a humpback whale in English Bay. The Fisheries Department is conducting an investigation, with the ferry company cooperating with authorities.
This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of marine life in busy waterways and the need for increased awareness and safety measures to protect these magnificent creatures.
Keyphrase: whale collision Vancouver