Hullo Ferries has confirmed that one of its vessels struck a humpback whale in English Bay, near Vancouver. The incident occurred during a scheduled sailing, prompting immediate action from the ferry’s bridge team.
Incident Overview
The collision involved one of Hullo Ferries’ high-speed, passenger-only catamarans. The ferry service operates between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo, with up to 14 daily sailings. Following the incident, the company notified the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in line with legal requirements.
Response and Regulations
In a statement, Hullo Ferries indicated that the vessel, named Spuhels, “likely made contact with a whale.” Upon spotting the marine mammal, the crew initiated evasive maneuvers and executed a crash stop. They adhered to all reporting protocols, including notifying local authorities, such as the Canadian Coast Guard and First Nations partners.
- The whale was later seen swimming north after the impact.
- Hullo Ferries emphasized their commitment to marine life protection.
- Staff observed the whale moving away from the ferry post-collision.
Commitment to Marine Life
In their communication, the company expressed the emotional impact of the event on their crew and reiterated their dedication to following Canada’s Marine Mammal Guidelines. This includes strict adherence to the Whale Reporting Alert System.
Past Incidents
Recent events have highlighted the risks to humpback whales in the region. Last month, researchers discovered a deceased humpback whale near another site where it had reportedly been hit by a different ferry operator.
Hullo Ferries continues to work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of marine wildlife and comply with existing regulations.
