A deceased humpback whale, estimated to be about four years old, was discovered near Keats Island in Howe Sound, prompting an investigation by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to ascertain the cause of death. The news of the whale’s demise was first brought to light by Alex Cole, a resident of Howe Sound, who learned about it through a local Facebook group he administers. Cole ventured out on his boat early Sunday to the southern side of Keats Island, where he captured images of the deceased whale positioned against the rocky shore. Expressing sadness over the situation, Cole described it as a tragic sight to witness such a majestic creature in a vulnerable state.
The deceased whale was found in the vicinity where another humpback whale had been struck by a whale-watching vessel on October 23. A statement from the whale-watching company, Prince of Whales, indicated that based on the timing and location, they suspect this could be the same whale involved in the previous incident. The company expressed deep sorrow over the news and pledged to collaborate with the DFO throughout the evolving situation. Stressing the possibility of such events occurring unexpectedly, the company urged all boat operators in the Salish Sea to remain vigilant.
The DFO has identified the deceased humpback whale found at Keats Island as BCY1464, also known as Wisp, and confirmed an ongoing investigation into the matter. According to a DFO spokesperson, the incident is regrettable, and efforts are underway to gain a clearer understanding of the circumstances. Erin Gless from the Pacific Whale Watch Association revealed that Wisp, born in 2021 to mother BCX1333 Ghost, had been spotted feeding alongside another whale, BCY1463 Malachite, close to the shore in Howe Sound earlier in the season.
Following the vessel strike, witnesses reported observing the injured whale swimming away from the scene. Although crew members did not notice any apparent injuries at the time, not all parts of the whale were visible. The incident resulted in minor injuries to several passengers on the vessel, who were promptly treated by paramedics before being transported to the hospital in stable condition. DFO highlighted that vessel strikes pose a significant threat to humpback whales, especially as their population grows, leading to increased interactions with human activities and maritime traffic in coastal waters.