Article content
A humpback whale calf struck by a B.C. Ferries vessel Thursday will likely survive, the Marine Education and Research Society says.
The calf, named Crochet, sustained a gash on the right fin of its tail and bruising on its right side following a collision with the company’s Island Aurora ferry vessel near Port McNeill on Aug. 29.
“After monitoring for three hours, we believe Crochet is likely to survive,” the society said Friday.
Article content
“We will continue to monitor and have reached out to our community to help give this whale more space and educate others on how to reduce the threat of collision.”
B.C. Ferries says while it is standard practice for ferry operators to slow down in the presence of whales, this calf unexpectedly emerged within 20 metres of the vessel.
“Our crew quickly followed protocols, stopping the vessel’s propellers to prevent further harm and immediately reporting the incident to our operations centre,” said Jeff Groot, of B.C. Ferries.
The 80-metre Island Aurora runs between Alert Bay, Port McNeill and Malcolm Island. It has the capacity to carry 47 cars.
B.C. Ferries staff reported the incident to several agencies including the federal department of Fisheries and Oceans, local researchers and members of the Namgis First Nation.
“Local researchers have since confirmed that the whale survived and appears not to have sustained serious injuries,” Groot said.
“Additionally, we made sure to check in with our crew to ensure they have the support they need as they process the events.”
Article content
The Marine Education and Research Society has commended B.C. Ferries for notifying local research agencies like it, saying it created “an optimal opportunity to know who the whale is, monitor their welfare, and learn from this accident to reduce the threat of vessel strikes.”
The society is urging members of the public to “help contribute to transparency about these threats. Do not vilify those striving to make knowledge about accidents count for the welfare of the whales and human safety.”
Thursday’s collision comes just a week after Crochet’s sibling, Auger, was hit by a motorized boat near Port McNeill on August 15. The society says it monitored Auger and it appears the whale will be OK.
sgrochowski@postmedia.com
Recommended from Editorial
B.C. film company fined for flying drone too close to killer whales
Humpback comes within paddle length of startled kayakers in B.C.
Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don’t miss the news you need to know — add VancouverSun.com and TheProvince.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here.
You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber: For just $14 a month, you can get unlimited access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The Province.
Share this article in your social network