A grey whale hit by a Sea-Doo near Vancouver shows no signs of injury, experts confirm. The collision, witnessed by onlookers along Vancouver’s seawall near Siwash Rock in Stanley Park around 7:30 p.m. PT on Monday, prompted an investigation by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). The Vancouver Police Department has identified the Sea-Doo operator involved.
DFO’s marine mammal co-ordinator, Paul Cottrell, along with a team of experts, assessed the whale on Tuesday and found no visible injuries. The whale, which had been feeding near English Bay for several days, was observed heading northwest out of the bay on Tuesday.
Despite losing sight of the whale as it continued westbound on deeper dives, Cottrell mentioned that the animal could have moved on. Video footage captured the moment of impact, showing the rider being ejected from the Sea-Doo. The man was taken to the hospital in serious but stable condition.
Regulations mandate boaters to maintain a distance of at least 100 meters from grey whales and 200 meters from a grey whale with a calf. DFO has the authority to enforce marine regulations and species protection laws.
Const. Darren Wong of the Vancouver police stated that they are collaborating with DFO to investigate the incident, with the possibility of pressing charges yet to be determined.