The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says a grey whale and its calf that became stranded in Boundary Bay, south of Vancouver are now headed back out to open sea.
The DFO announced the good news on Twitter late Friday night, hours after a marine mammal response team was sent in with a vessel and refloatation equipment to try to help the whales get back into deeper waters.
We’re happy to report the #GreyWhale mom and calf in #BoundaryBay headed out to open sea. Thanks to @Vanaqua and our Marine Mammal Rescue Team partners for support. https://t.co/mWOM8aXDWt
— DFO Pacific (@DFO_Pacific) May 11, 2019
The Vancouver Aquarium said its head veterinarian, vet technicians and staff from its Marine Mammal Rescue Centre were also in the area to provide assistance.
The aquarium’s operator Ocean Wise had earlier said on Twitter that the tide was coming in and it was hoped the pair of whales would be able to swim away.
Footage of 2 beaches grey whales in Boundary Bay earlier today! #BoundaryBay #boundarybay #whales #beach #ocean #whaletail #tsawwasssen #southdelta #news #NewsOftheDay #DFO #fisheries #marine #vancouver #realtor #realtorlife #geffketeam pic.twitter.com/b1PzxiRhbq
— Geffke Team Realty REALTORR (@ListingsBC) May 11, 2019
The Fisheries Department thanked the aquarium and the response team for their help in assisting the mother and calf after the whales were spotted near Centennial Park, in Delta, B.C., not far from the U.S. border.
There have been several report of grey whales washing ashore along the North American coast this year as the whales make their annual migration north from Mexico to Alaska.
Experts have said several of the whales have died from malnutrition, although others have been struck by ships.
(With files from the Associated Press)
The Canadian Press
