Overview
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada confirmed the Oct. 23 collision in Howe Sound and said the humpback was seen surfacing three times afterward as the company cooperates with officials.
- Prince of Whales said the captain executed a decisive avoidance maneuver during a surprise encounter and reported only minimal contact with the whale.
- B.C. Emergency Health Services said paramedics treated four patients on Granville Island and transported them to hospital in stable condition.
- A passenger, Karen Bergeron-Baggs, disputed the company’s characterization and described people being thrown from seats and suffering injuries including mild concussions and lost teeth.
- DFO alerted enforcement officers and the Pacific Whale Watch Association to watch for injured animals, noting multiple recent strikes and especially high humpback density in the region during fall.