A whale that was struck by a Jet Ski rider in a shocking caught-on-camera incident off the coast of Vancouver appears to be in “good condition,” according to federal officials.
The whale, which had been observed by delighted onlookers in and around Stanley Park in the days leading up to Monday’s crash, was last seen travelling out to sea, Fisheries and Oceans Canada said Wednesday.
“It can be difficult to properly assess the health of a live whale; however, the whale was observed feeding, moving normally, and appeared to be in good condition,” a statement from the agency said.
The marine mammal was observed making progressively deeper dives as it left the area, travelling westbound, the statement added, before saying no additional information on the whale or the incident was available.
Social media videos show the moment a personal watercraft struck the massive cetacean as it was surfacing for air Monday evening in Burrard Inlet, near Siwash Rock. The force of the impact sent the operator flying off the vehicle and into the water.
Emergency officials said the individual was later hospitalized in serious but stable condition.
The Vancouver Police Department confirmed it is investigating and that officers have identified and spoken with the operator, as well as multiple witnesses.
Approaching, feeding or otherwise interacting with whales is also forbidden under Canada’s Fisheries Act. Watchers are required to remain at least 100 metres from grey whales, and a minimum of 200 metres if the whales are resting or accompanied by a calf.
Those who fail to do so can face fines of up to $100,000 for a first offence.
With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Andrew Weichel
