Urgent: Prince of Whales Boat Strikes Humpback Whale Near Vancouver

UPDATE: A Prince of Whales whale-watching boat struck a humpback whale near Vancouver on the afternoon of October 23, 2025, in a shocking and unexpected encounter. The incident occurred when the whale, identified as Raza (BCX1852), surfaced suddenly in the vessel’s path, prompting a swift reaction from the captain.

Despite the captain’s immediate maneuver to halt the vessel, there was minimal contact with the whale, and reports indicate that it surfaced shortly afterward, swimming away without visible injuries. “Our on-board naturalists witnessed the whale surface to breathe and then swim away, surfacing at normal intervals,” the company stated in a release to CHEK News.

However, the abrupt stop resulted in injuries among several passengers aboard. “A handful were injured, and our trained crew members immediately administered first aid to those affected,” the statement continued. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were on standby upon the vessel’s return, with three passengers requiring additional treatment. Full refunds have been issued to all tour participants.

The Prince of Whales promptly notified Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the coast guard of the incident, a legal requirement following such strikes. “This was an exceedingly rare event,” the company added, expressing gratitude for the crew’s decisive actions and the understanding of their guests.

This incident underscores the critical need for boater education regarding the presence of humpback whales in the area. Jackie Hildering, a researcher with the Marine Education & Research Society (MERS), emphasized the importance of awareness, stating, “If a whale watcher can hit a humpback despite their expertise, it indicates the risk to many others.”

Hildering compared the strikes to vehicle collisions with elk, suggesting that understanding animal behavior and developing better signage could mitigate risks. She noted that while the summer is generally believed to have the highest density of humpbacks, research reveals that fall sees increased numbers in the Salish Sea.

The recent strike is the third publicized incident involving humpback whales in just one month, raising concerns about the frequency of such occurrences. Hildering pointed out that many strikes may go unnoticed, as larger vessels often do not feel the impact when hitting a whale submerged below the surface.

While the companies involved in these recent incidents are facing scrutiny, Hildering stressed the importance of education over vilification. “The world needs more knowledge for the safety of both whales and people,” she asserted.

As this story develops, officials and marine experts continue to advocate for greater awareness and education among boaters to prevent future collisions. For those involved in whale watching or boating in these waters, understanding the behavior of these majestic creatures is more crucial than ever.

Stay tuned for more updates as authorities continue to investigate the implications of this unexpected encounter.