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The humpback whale calf struck by a BC Ferries vessel on Thursday is likely to survive, the Marine Education and Research Association says.
The calf, named Crochet, collided with the company’s Island Aurora ferry near Port McNeill on August 29, leaving it with a laceration to its right tail fin and bruises on the right side of its body.
“After three hours of monitoring, we believe it is likely that Crochet survived,” the association said Friday.
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“We will continue to monitor and reach out to our community to help give this whale more space and educate others on how to reduce the threat of collisions.”
BC Ferries said that although the ferry operator The vessel slowed down due to the whale’s presence and the small whale unexpectedly appeared within 20 meters of the vessel.
“Our crew quickly followed protocol and shut down the vessel’s propeller to prevent further damage and immediately reported the incident to our operations centre,” said Jeff Groot of BC Ferries.
The 80-metre Island Aurora plies between Alert Bay, Port McNeill and Malcolm Island. It has space for 47 cars.
BC Ferries staff reported the incident to multiple agencies, including the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, local researchers and members of the Namgis First Nation.
“Local researchers subsequently confirmed that the whale had survived and did not appear to be seriously injured,” Groot said.
“In addition, we ensure communication with our staff to ensure they have the support they need when dealing with incidents.”
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The Marine Education and Research Association praised BC Ferries for informing similar local research institutions, saying it created a “This is the best opportunity to learn the identity of the whale, monitor its welfare, and learn lessons from this incident to reduce the threat of ship strikes.”
The society urged the public to “help increase transparency about these threats. Do not vilify those who are working to bring the truth to light for the welfare of whales and the safety of people.”
Thursday’s collision occurred a week ago on Aug. 15, when Crochet’s brother, Auger, was struck by a motorized vessel near Port McNeill. The society said it had monitored Ogle and it appeared the whale was fine.
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