A deceased humpback whale, estimated to be around four years old, was discovered near Keats Island in Howe Sound, prompting an investigation by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to determine the cause of death. Alex Cole, a resident of Howe Sound, learned about the deceased whale through a local Facebook group that he administers. He took his boat to the south side of Keats Island the following morning and captured images of the whale stranded against the rocks. Cole expressed sadness at the sight, describing it as tragic to witness such a majestic creature in a vulnerable state.
The deceased whale was found in the same vicinity where another humpback whale had been struck by a whale-watching vessel on October 23. A statement from the whale-watching company, Prince of Whales, indicated that based on the timing and location, they believe this could be the same whale involved in the recent incident. The company conveyed their devastation over the news and pledged to collaborate with the DFO as the situation unfolds.
DFO has identified the deceased humpback whale as BCY1464, also known as Wisp, and is actively investigating the matter. A spokesperson for DFO expressed regret over the incident and emphasized their efforts to comprehend the circumstances surrounding the whale’s death. Erin Gless from the Pacific Whale Watch Association mentioned that Wisp, born in 2021 to mom BCX1333 Ghost, had been spotted earlier this season in close proximity to shore along with another whale, BCY1463 Malachite.
Regarding the recent incident, Prince of Whales clarified that the vessel was not intentionally observing the whale at the time of the encounter, which took them by surprise as the whale suddenly emerged. Despite minimal contact between the vessel and the whale during the encounter, some passengers aboard the vessel fell due to the sudden stop. Emergency medical treatment was provided to four passengers on Granville Island, who were later transported to the hospital in stable condition.
DFO highlighted that vessel strikes pose a significant threat to humpback whales, especially as their numbers increase in coastal waters, leading to heightened interactions with human activities and vessel traffic. This incident follows a similar case on October 17 when a high-speed ferry collided with a humpback whale in English Bay near Vancouver, resulting in injuries to the calf of BCX1193 Zig Zag. The calf was observed with a deep gash near its dorsal fin, underscoring the ongoing risks faced by humpback whales in their marine habitats.