A grey whale was struck by a Jet Ski near Vancouver's Siwash Rock on Monday evening, sparking outrage and raising concerns about marine wildlife safety. According to witness accounts and videos shared online, the whale was feeding near Third Beach on the western edge of Stanley Park when an individual on a Jet Ski moved into the area at high speed.
Incident Details
A video posted to Reddit captures the moment the whale suddenly surfaced, shooting a spout of water into the air, as the Jet Ski rider sped into the frame and collided with the animal. The rider was thrown off, and the Jet Ski landed on the water a few metres away. Bystanders on a nearby boat helped retrieve the rider from the water, and police and a search and rescue boat arrived shortly after the incident, which occurred around 7:30 p.m.
Response and Investigation
Vancouver Police received multiple calls at 7:33 p.m. reporting the collision in Burrard Inlet near Siwash Rock. Const. Darren Wong stated that the Jet Ski operator was rescued by a sailboat and received assistance from the Coast Guard. "Police identified and spoke to the operator and several witnesses afterwards. At this time, we cannot confirm any injuries to the whale. This incident is still under investigation," Wong said.
Brian Twaites, spokesperson for B.C. Emergency Health Services, confirmed a call at 7:54 p.m. about a person needing medical assistance in the water off Stanley Park. A search and rescue crew from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Esquimalt brought the individual to East Waterfront Road, where paramedics provided emergency care. The patient was transported to the hospital in serious but stable condition.
Public Outcry
The incident has prompted fury online, with commenters criticizing authorities for not doing enough to protect the whale, which had been feeding in the area for several days. The whale had reportedly been breaching frequently, drawing crowds of observers on shore and anchored boats.
Postmedia has reached out to the Fisheries Department for updates on the whale's condition and the Jet Ski rider. The investigation remains ongoing.
