AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 20, 2026
Search Underway for Injured Whale After Ferry Collision
Marine conservation officers from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) are actively searching for a humpback whale that was struck by a B.C. Ferries vessel in Howe Sound on Sunday. The incident was reported by passengers on board and has reinvigorated concerns about whale strikes and marine mammal safety in British Columbia's waters.
Collision Details: Queen of Surrey Involved
The collision occurred between Grace Point and Keats Island, in waters commonly frequented by humpback whales. According to DFO, two humpbacks were near the ferry at the time, and one was struck as the vessel, the Queen of Surrey, traveled from Langdale to Horseshoe Bay. Passengers reported feeling the impact at approximately 1:33 p.m. PT, and several noted seeing the injured whale in distress behind the ferry.
Passenger Accounts of Distress
Aspen Wing, a passenger traveling with her son, described sensing the collision and observing the whale afterward. "A lot of people on the ferry were really distraught and upset by what they were witnessing," Wing said. She captured video footage of the whale "blowing blood into the air," emphasizing the distress the animal displayed.
B.C. Ferries and DFO Response
B.C. Ferries expressed deep concern for the incident and its potential impact on the injured marine mammal. Spokesperson Kit Billings stated, "Based on initial reports, the whale surfaced directly in front of the vessel, leaving the crew with very little time to react." The company indicated it is cooperating fully with DFO, focusing on gathering details and notifying the appropriate authorities. DFO crews began searching Howe Sound for the whale on Monday, aiming to identify and assess its condition.
Regulations and Ongoing Investigations
According to Canada's Marine Mammal Regulations, any vessel involved in contact with a whale is required to immediately inform DFO. The department is reviewing the situation and coordinating the search efforts in the area.
History of Whale Strikes in Howe Sound
The incident is not isolated. Almost a year earlier, on October 23, 2025, a whale-watching company struck a humpback near Keats Island, resulting in the death of a four-year-old whale. DFO identified the deceased animal as BCY1464, also known as Wisp, and opened an investigation. Additional whale strikes have been reported in areas near Vancouver and Wright Sound, implicating various vessels including ferries and private watercraft.
Wildlife Protection and Vessel Speed Concerns
The event has renewed calls for stricter vessel speed controls in whale habitats. Jackie Hildering of the Marine Education and Research Society emphasized, "This has to be about prevention ... we want very much, [for] these tragedies to lead to positive change." The society advocates for speed limits in sensitive areas, pointing to the recent adoption of a 10-knot travel speed on the Northern Expedition route in Wright Sound after a previous fatal whale strike.
B.C. Ferries spokesperson Lilian Kim confirmed the Queen of Surrey was traveling at 16 knots during the Howe Sound incident. Standard speeds in the area typically range from 19 to 19.5 knots, depending on conditions. Hildering cautioned that even at reduced speeds, whale strikes can be fatal, but lowering speeds reduces the likelihood of such outcomes.
Ongoing DFO Investigation
The DFO is continuing efforts to locate and assess the injured humpback whale. The agency encourages prompt reporting of any marine mammal incidents and is working jointly with B.C. Ferries and conservation organizations to address concerns related to wildlife protection and ferry collisions. The situation remains under active investigation.
Source: cbc.ca.
