The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is currently investigating a collision between a Sea-Doo operator and a grey whale in Vancouver. Onlookers at Vancouver’s seawall witnessed the incident near Siwash Rock in Stanley Park on Monday evening.
Richard Savage, who had observed the grey whale near Second Beach the previous day, recounted the Sea-Doo speeding past Siwash Rock and then returning towards Lions Gate Bridge. The collision occurred as the whale surfaced, resulting in the Sea-Doo striking the whale.
Following the collision, the Sea-Doo operator was thrown from the watercraft, prompting Savage to seek assistance for the injured person. The incident left Savage feeling sorrowful for the whale’s well-being, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence with marine creatures.
Video footage of the collision was captured by Kevin Connolly, who mentioned the initial high-speed passes of the Sea-Doo before the collision. The Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue reported that a nearby sailboat provided initial aid to the injured individual until further medical assistance arrived.
Emergency services responded to the incident, transporting the injured individual to the hospital in serious but stable condition. The DFO has initiated an investigation into the matter, with potential collaboration from the Vancouver Police Department to determine any legal actions that may follow.
Catherine Jardine, a resident overlooking English Bay, noted no apparent injuries on the whale following the incident. The grey whale, which has been a local attraction, was observed behaving normally post-collision.
Marine researcher Jackie Hildering highlighted the avoidable nature of the collision, emphasizing the need for boaters to maintain safe distances from marine wildlife. The incident has sparked concerns about the well-being of grey whales, with several recent deaths reported off Vancouver Island, potentially due to starvation during their migration.
Strict marine mammal regulations mandate boaters to maintain a minimum distance of 100 meters from grey whales and 200 meters from a grey whale with offspring. Hildering expressed the possibility of legal repercussions due to the reckless and negligent nature of the collision.
The situation remains under investigation, with a focus on ensuring the safety and protection of marine wildlife from such incidents in the future.
