A young humpback whale with a significant wound near its dorsal fin has been confirmed as the whale that was struck by a high-speed ferry near Vancouver. The injured calf was first spotted by Naturalist Sara Jenkins from Wild Whales Vancouver on Monday, with photographs revealing a large gash near its dorsal fin. The incident of the ferry colliding with the humpback whale occurred in English Bay on Oct. 17.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has verified that the injured whale is the calf of BCX1193 Zig Zag. Following the incident, a DFO spokesperson emphasized the importance of closely monitoring the healing progress of the animal due to the severity of its injury. Naturalist Julia Adelsheim also photographed Zig Zag and her calf the day before the whale was struck.
Adelsheim mentioned that it would have been highly coincidental for the injured whale not to be the one involved in the collision, given its proximity to the vessel strike location. The photos taken by Jenkins and Adelsheim were shared by the Pacific Whale Watch Association on social media.
The Vancouver Island Ferry Company, operating the Hullo Ferries, stated that their vessel likely came into contact with the whale during a routine sailing. The company reported the collision to the DFO, noting that the whale was seen swimming northward after the encounter.
Jackie Hildering from the Marine Education and Research Society expressed uncertainty about the calf’s survival prospects, highlighting the unknown internal injuries and overall health of the whale. She emphasized the need for increased awareness and understanding of humpback behavior to prevent such accidents, especially since these whales have been frequently feeding in the area.
Regarding Zig Zag’s calf, named Skipper, which was likely born recently and typically stays close to its mother for the first year, Hildering noted the unfortunate history of injuries among Zig Zag’s offspring. Adelsheim expressed hope for the calf’s recovery, emphasizing the resilience of whales despite serious injuries.