A dead humpback whale found in Howe Sound may be linked to a BC Ferries collision. Experts are working to confirm its identity and cause of death.
Dead Whale Found in Howe Sound After Ferry Collision
A sad discovery in Howe Sound has raised fresh concerns about whale safety in British Columbia’s coastal waters.
On October 26, a dead humpback whale was spotted near Grace Point, close to the site of a BC Ferries collision eight days earlier. The whale had no tail fluke, adding to concerns about its injuries.
However, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has yet to confirm whether the dead whale was the same one struck by the ferry on October 18. The department is working to find the animal and learn more about what happened.
What Happened During the Ferry Trip?
On October 18, a BC Ferries vessel travelled between Grace Point and Keats Island in Howe Sound. During the trip, two whales appeared near the vessel.
According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, one whale surfaced in front of the ferry and the vessel struck it.
Later, reports of a dead whale in the same area raised fears that the animal may have died from its injuries. However, officials have not yet confirmed a direct link between the collision and the death.
Researchers Identify the Whale as Notcho
Tasli Shaw, co-founder of Humpback Whales of the Salish Sea, received photos of the dead whale from a local resident.
Researchers often use a whale’s tail or dorsal fin to identify it. In this case, however, the tail fluke was missing, and the photos did not show the dorsal fin.
Even so, Shaw identified the whale as Notcho, also known as BCX1700. She used the markings on its right pectoral flipper to make the match.
Notcho had spent summers feeding in the Salish Sea since at least 2017. His exact age remains unknown.
For researchers who have watched and tracked these animals over the years, the loss is deeply troubling.
Officials Work to Find Answers
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is working to locate the whale and confirm its identity. The department is also exploring whether experts can carry out a necropsy, an examination of the animal after death.
If the examination goes ahead, it may help experts learn how the whale died and gather more details about its injuries.
Meanwhile, the key question remains: did the whale found near Grace Point die after the October 18 ferry collision? Officials have not yet confirmed this.
A Reminder to Protect Whales in BC Waters
Whales share the busy coastal waters of British Columbia with ferries, fishing boats and other vessels. Therefore, safe boating practices and care around marine wildlife remain vital.
This case also shows why timely reports and clear photos can help researchers track whales and understand threats to their lives.
For now, experts continue to seek answers about Notcho and the events in Howe Sound. Until officials complete their assessment, the link between the ferry collision and the whale’s death remains unconfirmed.
