VICTORIA – The passenger-only ferry company operating between Vancouver and Nanaimo, Hullo Ferries, is fully cooperating with authorities following an incident where one of its vessels struck a humpback whale in English Bay, near Vancouver. This was confirmed by a statement from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which noted that Hullo Ferries reported the collision to the department.
According to the federal department's statement, the humpback whale was observed swimming north following the collision. However, the statement did not provide further details on the whale’s condition after the incident. Regulations mandate that operators of vessels or fishing gear must immediately report accidental contacts with marine mammals to relevant authorities.
Hullo Ferries operates a high-speed ferry service, advertising as many as 14 daily sailings using two catamarans between downtown Vancouver and downtown Nanaimo. In light of the incident, Hullo Ferries issued a statement acknowledging that their vessel, the Spuhels, “likely made contact with a whale” during one of its scheduled sailings.
The company reported that upon sighting the whale, the bridge team promptly initiated evasive action, executing a crash stop maneuver in line with established safety procedures. Hullo Ferries emphasized that all reporting protocols were strictly followed without delay, including notifications to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, local First Nations partners, and the Whale Reporting Alert System (WRAS).
Additionally, the company indicated that CCTV video footage and crew observations showed the whale moving away from the ferry post-collision. Hullo Ferries expressed deep concern about the incident, stating, “This event is felt deeply by our crew and everyone at [Hullo service operator Vancouver Island Ferry Company (VIFC)].” They reiterated their commitment to marine life protection and adherence to the Whale Reporting Alert System as well as Canada's Marine Mammal Guidelines.
As a point of context, in the previous month, a dead humpback whale was discovered near a location where it was reported to have been struck by a different vessel operated by B.C. Ferries off the northern coast of British Columbia. This highlights ongoing concerns regarding the interactions between marine vessels and wildlife in the region, underscoring the importance of safety protocols and regulatory compliance in safeguarding marine mammals.
