FILE — A grey whale dives near Whidbey Island as seen from a Pacific Whale Watch Association vessel, May 4, 2022, in Washington state. Federal researchers indicate the grey whale population along the West Coast is showing signs of recovery five years after hundreds washed up dead on West Coast beaches, from Alaska to Mexico. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

By The Canadian Press

Sea-Doo rider hurt after slamming into whale off Vancouver, animal’s fate unclear

May 5, 2026 | 6:53 AM

VANCOUVER — Andy Zofka and his wife had set up their cameras on the seawall at Stanley Park in Vancouver on Monday evening, hoping to “admire nature” and maybe get a glimpse of a pod of orcas or the grey whale that had been seen feeding nearby.

But screams preceded the “horrible experience” that came next, when a man on a Sea-Doo sped into view and slammed into the grey whale just after it had surfaced, sending the watercraft airborne in a crash that Zofka blamed on “irresponsibility and ignorance.”

The rider was thrown from the craft and badly injured, with ambulance officials saying he was taken to hospital in a serious condition.

Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue said the animal’s fate was unclear, though Zofka shared a photo of it surfacing again soon after the crash.

The collision was captured on video from multiple angles on Monday evening, prompting gasps and curses from those gathered at the shoreline to watch the whale that had been feeding in the area over the past week.

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Zofka, a photographer who moved from Britain to Vancouver about three years ago, said he first saw the rider speeding towards Lions Gate Bridge before turning around and heading closer to shore.

“And people were screaming at him, ‘slow down. There is a whale here,'” said Zofka.

But the rider was going fast and hit the whale hard, said Zofka.

“I think everyone was quite concerned that probably it just got killed, but then it definitely resurfaced,” said Zofka, who added that the rider was “screaming for help” from the water.

Marine Search and Rescue said officers responded to a mayday call around 7:35 p.m. after the crash near Siwash Rock.

The organization said the operator of the Sea-Doo was given first aid on a nearby yacht and one of its vessels, then taken to shore where they were picked up by ambulance.

Brian Twaites, a public information officer with BC Emergency Health Service, said officers received a call at 7:54 p.m. about a person in the water needing medical help, and they were transported to hospital in “serious but stable condition.”

The federal Fisheries Department said it was aware of the incident and was trying to assess any injuries to the whale.

Vessels must keep a distance of at least 100 metres from all whales in Canadian waters, with stricter regulations depending on the species and circumstances.

“There is absolutely no way for us to assess the health of the grey whale, but it was seen in the area coming up to breathe,” Marine Search and Rescue said in a Facebook post.

“It is the responsibility of all boaters to maintain situational awareness at all times. It is the responsibility of all boaters to operate their vessel at a safe speed.”

The videos show the whale surface and spout before the Sea-Doo appears from the right and slams into it. The craft flies in the air for five to 10 metres after hitting the whale, crashing down hard and dismounting the rider.

Zofka said the whale “resurfaced a few times” after the crash. “It seemed to be okay. It was moving,” said Zofka.

He called the incident “easily avoidable.”

“I mean, to be honest, the first thing that crossed my mind — I actually shouted it quite loudly — it’s ‘what an idiot,'” said Zofka.

“Of course, I don’t wish anyone to get harmed, and then it’s sad that he got injured, but it was just the fact that this was so easily avoidable. It was so stupid…That was the worst part.”

Jackie Hildering, education and communication director with Marine Education and Research Society, said the grey whale might be “nutritionally stressed” and trying to bulk up, but has chosen to feed in a “highly urbanized area.”

She said the animal is not the whale known as Little Patch, that drew fans last year after feeding close to shore off Vancouver for an extended period.

“Let’s make this outrage count. To demand responsibility, to demand as well that people be educated. There’s no excuse,” said Hildering.

“This isn’t about one whale. This is about many whales and boaters that should learn from this experience and understand that it is their responsibility,” said Hildering.

“If we are privileged to boat in other people’s territories in the presence of marine mammals, you need to be educated. You need to be a whale-safe boater.”

— With files by Aaron Sousa in Edmonton

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2026.

Nono Shen, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press