BC Ferries issued a statement on August 31 saying that one of its ferries may have encountered a humpback whale. A humpback whale appeared in front of the company’s Northern Expedition ferry heading from Prince Rupert in northwestern British Columbia to Port Hardy on August 29.
The crew shut down the engine, but it is suspected that the hull had come into contact with a humpback whale. The whale’s condition is unknown. The company reported the matter to Fisheries and Oceans Canada. He also said that as a countermeasure, the Northern Expedition would be slowing down near Mosley Point. They also contacted local indigenous people to ensure the safety of marine life.
Northern Expedition may have encountered a whale prior on July 20 while in the Wright Strait. The company has also reported this matter to the Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans and is cooperating with the investigation.
Between July 20 and 29, there were three ship-whale collisions in the area between Prince Rupert and Kitimat, including this one. BC Ferries said it is also looking to work with the Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans and researchers to deploy AI-equipped hydrophones and infrared cameras for early detection of marine mammals.