A grey whale that was struck by a Sea-Doo near Vancouver does not appear to be injured, according to experts.
Witnesses along Vancouver’s seawall saw the collision unfold in the water near Siwash Rock in Stanley Park around 7:30 p.m. PT on Monday.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) launched an investigation into the incident, and the Vancouver Police Department has since identified the individual who was operating the Sea-Doo.
Sea-Doo operator strikes grey whale off Vancouver’s Stanley Park
DFO marine mammal co-ordinator Paul Cottrell and a team of experts went to the area to assess the animal on Tuesday.
“[We] could not see any injuries, and the animal appeared to be acting normal and feeding,” Cottrell said.
The grey whale had drawn a large following as it had been feeding close to the shore around English Bay for days.
Cottrell said the grey whale was seen travelling northwest out of English Bay on Tuesday, and they did not see the animal on Wednesday.
DFO said it lost sight of the whale as it continued to make its way westbound, making deeper dives along the way.
“The animal may have moved on,” Cottrell said. “We are still out on the water today.”
Video captured by witnesses showed the moment of impact and the rider being propelled off the Sea-Doo.
B.C. Emergency Health Services said the man was transported to the hospital in serious but stable condition.
Marine mammal regulations require boaters to stay a minimum of 100 metres away from grey whales and 200 metres from a grey whale with a calf.
DFO has the authority to enforce marine regulations and species protection laws.
Vancouver police spokesperson Const. Darren Wong said the department is working with DFO to investigate the incident and said on Tuesday that it was too soon to say if charges would be laid.
