The whale, one of two seen in the area at the time, was hit head-on by the Queen of Surrey.
A humpback whale is likely dead after being struck by a B.C. Ferries vessel on Sunday in Howe Sound, researchers say.
The whale was hit head-on by the Queen of Surrey between Grace Point and Keats Island just after 1 p.m. The 139-metre ferry was travelling on its Horseshoe Bay and Langdale route.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans said witnesses reported two humpback whales near the ferry at the time of the collision, and one was struck after it surfaced in front of the vessel.
The Marine Education and Research Society, which advocates for whale protections and safe boating, said passenger accounts indicated the whale surfaced in front of the bow, travelling from right to left. The whale then surfaced behind the ferry, thrashing with a visible red spray and blood in the water as it exhaled from its blowhole.
B.C. Ferries said in a statement it was “deeply concerned about the potential impact on the whale.”
“The whale surfaced directly in front of the vessel, leaving the crew with very little time to react,” the statement said.
The collision was reported to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
B.C. Ferries said it is working with the DFO to understand the circumstances and impacts on the whale, and that the ferry operator will continue working to reduce risks to marine mammals. A spokesperson said crews receive special whale-awareness training, and vessels operate under specific protocols to reduce collision risks.
“We recognize how upsetting this is, particularly for those who witnessed the collision, including our crews,” the statement said. “They work on these waters every day and care deeply about protecting the marine life around them.”
The identity of the humpback whale isn’t immediately known. The Marine Education and Research Society said members of the Canadian Pacific Humpback Collaboration, which identifies individuals in the population through photographs of unique dorsal fins and other features, are reviewing images of the incident.
The society said the strike occurred in the same area as the fatal collision with another humpback, Wisp (BCY1464), on Oct. 23, 2025, when a Prince of Whales whale-watching vessel struck it.
The society said the strike was likely fatal, considering the ferry was travelling at 16 knots. It may never be confirmed because dead whales often sink to the ocean floor.
The society said more can be done to protect humpbacks in the area, including using the Whale Report Alert System, which gives large vessels real-time alerts about reported whale sightings.
“Not unlike considerations in school crossing zones, risk of collision can be decreased by decreasing the number, location, and/or speed of traffic in areas of known whale density,” the society said. “Reducing speed increases the potential to avoid a vessel strike and reduces the likelihood of a fatal outcome if a whale is hit.”
All incidents involving marine mammals can be reported to DFO at 1-800-465-4336.