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Watch: Jet skier collides with grey whale near Vancouver’s Stanley Park

The rider crashed into the whale while it had been feeding and surfacing repeatedly beforehand

Published May 09, 2026
 Watch: Jet skier collides with grey whale near Vancouver’s Stanley Park
 Watch: Jet skier collides with grey whale near Vancouver’s Stanley Park 

A rare wildlife spectacle off the coast of Canada turned into a horror scene when a jet skier collided with a grey whale in the Burrard Inlet near Siwash Rock in Stanley Park. 

The rider crashed into the whale while it had been feeding and surfacing repeatedly beforehand. 

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He was treated on a sailboat, hospitalized in serious but stable condition. He later shared his remorse: “I swear on my mother’s life, I had no clue…I love whales.”

Wildlife officials confirmed the whale appeared unharmed, spotted feeding normally three days after the incident and moving in good condition. 

Meanwhile, the DFO is investigating potential violations of the 100-metre approach rule as a public petition pushes for stricter ski limits in the harbour. 

The jet skier maintained he had no idea a whale was in the area before it breached, issuing a formal apology and stating he never intended to hit the animal.

DFO marine mammal coordinator Paul Cottrell and a team of experts were sent to assess the whale following the incident.

“(We) could not see any injuries, and the animal appeared to be acting normal and feeding,” Mr Cottrell said.

Officials later tracked the whale travelling northwest out of English Bay before eventually losing sight of it as it continued deeper dives further offshore.

“The animal may have moved on,” Mr Cottrell said.

“We are still out on the water today.”

This video has significant traction on social platforms, as the collision transformed a remarkable wildlife encounter into a disturbing reminder of the dangers faced in crowded waterways.

Ruqia Shahid
Ruqia Shahid is a reporter specialising in science, focusing on discoveries, research developments, and technological advancements. She translates complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging stories, helping readers understand the latest innovations and their real-world impact through accurate, accessible, and insight-driven reporting.
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