Northern Resident Orca and Still Plenty of Humpbacks

A publication of Wild Ocean Whale Society (WOWs)

Northern Resident Orca and Still Plenty of Humpbacks

The Northern Resident Killer Whales of the family pod known as the A30s stayed around the top of Johnstone Strait for a few days. Transient Bigg’s Orca, our affectionately called “resident” Transients, known at the T002Cs were seen around the Comox area and presumably were the same family pod that popped up only to disappear as quickly in the Desolation and surrounding areas. Thoughts are that some of the reports of Killer Whales have been mistaken identity from the number of grouped up Humpback Whales seen; up to nine in one smaller area. Humpback Whale blows are usually much larger in all aspects and usually farther apart from one another than Orca blows. Keep your eyes open for them, as they are all over the inner waterways, and we’d love to hear about your sightings.

Pacific White Sided Dolphins have been seen leaping around Humpback Whales, and what is starting to become an annual sighting of a lone Sea Otter, with a great photo, round out this early issue.

Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society

Humpback Whale breaching off of the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy

Society News & Events
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Sightings Update


ISSUE SIGHTINGS MAP 2017-019

ISSUE SIGHTINGS MAP

TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES


Thu Jul 06 2017

20:21 • 5 Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading south mid channel off Kitty Coleman Beach Park, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene

18:28 • 5 Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs◦ heading south south of Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. IDs thanks to Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys.

Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce

NORTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALES


Fri Jul 07 2017

13:38 • NRKW Orca ◦A30s◦ off Cracroft Point, West Cracroft Island, Blackfish Sound. ▫ Leaving the Scene


Thu Jul 06 2017

13:23 • NRKW Orca ◦A30s◦ heading east straight along Hanson Island towards Cracroft Point, Johnstone Strait.


Wed Jul 05 2017

13:58 • NRKW Orca ◦A30s◦ foraging, at Cracroft Point, West Cracroft Island, Blackfish Sound. Very active.

13:15 • NRKW Orca ◦A30s; A43 Ripple◦ at Cracroft Point, West Cracroft Island.

UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES


Mon Jul 03 2017

08:34 • Orca off the west side of Marina Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Second Hand


Thu Jun 29 2017

–:– • 2 Orca bow riding, in Queen Charlotte Sound. We saw (very briefly) a couple of Orca (or Dall’s porpoise) in the bow waves, then large dorsal fins in the distance as the ship pulled away. ▫ From Cruise Ship

Sheila Fujimoto, Maryland, USA

HUMPBACK WHALES


Fri Jul 07 2017

17:06 • 2 Humpback Whales milling, between Marina Island and Quadra Island Scallop Farm, Sutil Channel.

SIGHTING MEDIA

Humpback Whales

Two Humpback Whale milling about between Marina Island and the Quadra Island Scallop Farm

Fri, 7 Jul 2017 – 5 items

SIGHTING MEDIA

Humpback Whales

Two Humpback Whale milling about between Marina Island and the Quadra Island Scallop Farm

Fri, 7 Jul 2017 – 5 items

16:09 • 1 Humpback Whales one mile or so out from Whaletown, Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.

16:09 • Humpback Whales in Kelsey Bay, Johnstone Strait.

15:47 • 4 Humpback Whales, Raza Passage. Outer entrance mainland side.

14:50 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north off Raza Island, Raza Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene

12:12 • 1 Humpback Whales, Lewis Channel. Small Humpback sleeping on the Cortes Island side just past Teakerne Arm.

SIGHTING MEDIA

Humpback Whales

Small Humpback Whale in Lewis Channel

Fri, 7 Jul 2017 – 3 items

SIGHTING MEDIA

Humpback Whales

Small Humpback Whale in Lewis Channel

Fri, 7 Jul 2017 – 3 items

11:01 • 2 Humpback Whales off South Rendezvous Island, Calm Channel.

10:26 • 5 Humpback Whales off Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait. Three whales coming from the red can and heading towards two other whales located mid-channel.

10:21 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south at the Cape Mudge Fishing Hump off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene

10:06 • 2 Humpback Whales off Church House, Calm Channel.

09:52 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south off Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.

09:35 • 1 Humpback Whales off Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Georgia Strait. Short dives.

09:25 • 3 Humpback Whales off Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.

09:25 • 1 Humpback Whales bucking tide, near the Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.

Elvis Chikite, Eagle Eye Adventures

08:32 • 2 Humpback Whales in Drew Passage.

08:31 • 1 Humpback Whales in front of Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Observed from Shore

08:25 • 1 Humpback Whales between Mitlenatch Island and Baker Passage, Georgia Strait.

07:51 • 1 Humpback Whales off Cape Mudge Lighthouse, Georgia Strait. ▫ Second Hand

07:45 • 3 Humpback Whales off Rendezvous Islands, Calm Channel.

07:45 • 1 Humpback Whales in Lewis Channel.

Radio, overheard or call out


Thu Jul 06 2017

20:20 • 2 Humpback Whales foraging, between Brasseau Bay and Salmon River, Johnstone Strait. In the Kelsey Bay area until 9.40pm, going backwards and forwards between Brasseau Bay and Graveyard Point, near mouth of Salmon River.

Angie and Paul Hibbert, Sayward, BC

SIGHTING MEDIA

Humpback Whales

Two Humpback Whales between Brasseau Bay and Salmon River

Thu, 6 Jul 2017 – 2 items

Angie and Paul Hibbert Sayward, BC

SIGHTING MEDIA

Humpback Whales

Two Humpback Whales between Brasseau Bay and Salmon River

Thu, 6 Jul 2017 – 2 items

Angie and Paul Hibbert Sayward, BC

19:03 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, close to Raza Island, Raza Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene

19:03 • 1 Humpback Whales heading west off North Rendezvous Island, Calm Channel.

17:37 • 3 Humpback Whales between Cortes Island and Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene

Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce

16:20 • 2 Humpback Whales between Rendezvous Islands and Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.

16:20 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, Mayes Point, Drew Passage.

15:29 • 1 Humpback Whales between Marina Island and Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.

15:17 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south in Whale Passage, Sutil Channel.

13:55 • 1 Humpback Whales between Read Island and Bullock Bluff, Sutil Channel.

13:35 • 3 Humpback Whales heading north between Read Island and North Rendezvous Island, Drew Passage.

13:29 • 4 Humpback Whales heading south between Read Island and South Rendezvous Island, Sutil Channel.

11:55 • 2 Humpback Whales between Cortes Island and Drew Passage, Sutil Channel.

Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures

SIGHTING MEDIA

Humpback Whales

Two Humpback Whales between Cortes Island and Drew Passage

Thu, 6 Jul 2017 – 3 items

SIGHTING MEDIA

Humpback Whales

Two Humpback Whales between Cortes Island and Drew Passage

Thu, 6 Jul 2017 – 3 items

11:39 • 2 Humpback Whales between Cortes Island and Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.

Ryan Eisen, Sonora Resort


Wed Jul 05 2017

17:30 • 1 Humpback Whales 400-m towards red can off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.

17:17 • 3 Humpback Whales 500-m south of red can buoy off Cortez Reef, Georgia Strait.

Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures

17:08 • 2 Humpback Whales off Quadra Island Scallop Farm below Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel.

Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce

16:40 • 1 Humpback Whales off Rebecca Spit, Sutil Channel.

15:56 • 2 Humpback Whales resting, east side of Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.

Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce

15:15 • Humpback Whales heading south off Menzies Bay Pulp Mill just north of Campbell River, Discovery Passage.

Tenacious3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris

SIGHTING MEDIA

Humpback Whales

One Humpback Whale heading south off of the Menzies Bay Pulp Mill

Wed, 5 Jul 2017 – 1 items

Kaitlin Paquette-Drapeau, Discovery Marine Safari Naturalist

SIGHTING MEDIA

Humpback Whales

One Humpback Whale heading south off of the Menzies Bay Pulp Mill

Wed, 5 Jul 2017 – 1 items

Kaitlin Paquette-Drapeau, Discovery Marine Safari Naturalist

14:57 • 2 Humpback Whales heading to the east side, around the south end of Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.

Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce

14:55 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, between Read Island and South Rendezvous Island, Drew Passage. 200-m off Read Island.

Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures

14:32 • 1 Humpback Whales heading east by Broken Islands, Johnstone Strait.

14:07 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south off Separation Head, Discovery Passage.

13:54 • 2 Humpback Whales by Comox, Georgia Strait.

Radio, overheard or call out

13:11 • Humpback Whales breaching, at red can off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel.

Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters

12:59 • 2 Humpback Whales, Baker Passage. A Sea Otter in the area too. ▫ Leaving the Scene

Tenacious3 (Boat), Discovery Marine Safaris

12:08 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCX0097 Squiggle◦ east of Stimpson Reef, Johnstone Strait.

10:40 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, top of Lewis Channel.

10:29 • 1 Humpback Whales off West Redonda Island at the north end of Lewis Channel.

10:20 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, between Raza Island and South Rendezvous Island, Calm Channel. Tight circles.

09:56 • 2 Humpback Whales north of Whale Passage 400-m off Read Island, Sutil Channel.

Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures

09:54 • Humpback Whales off Mitlenatch Island, Georgia Strait.

SIGHTING MEDIA

Humpback Whales

Humpback Whales off of Mitlenatch Island in Georgia Strait

Wed, 5 Jul 2017 – 3 items

SIGHTING MEDIA

Humpback Whales

Humpback Whales off of Mitlenatch Island in Georgia Strait

Wed, 5 Jul 2017 – 3 items


Tue Jul 04 2017

20:29 • 4 Humpback Whales heading north off Marina Island towards Viner Point, Sutil Channel.

Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters

17:25 • 2 Humpback Whales off the east side of North Penn Islands, Sutil Channel. Very active.

16:41 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south about 500-m north of Penn Islands.

16:27 • 2 Humpback Whales off Marina Island in the middle of Sutil Channel.

SIGHTING MEDIA

Humpback Whales

Two Humpback Whales off of Subtle Island

Tue, 4 Jul 2017 – 4 items

SIGHTING MEDIA

Humpback Whales

Two Humpback Whales off of Subtle Island

Tue, 4 Jul 2017 – 4 items

16:27 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, between Francisco Point and Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene

15:54 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north from Penn Islands towards Rendezvous Islands, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene

Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours

15:14 • 4 Humpback Whales one mile north of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel. About 400 meters apart.

14:51 • 4 Humpback Whales near the shore of Cortes Island abeam Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.

Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures

14:11 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south-west beween Francisco Point and Marina Island, Sutil Channel. Very active whales on a transit between Francisco Pt and north end of Marina Island, 350 metres off Marina.

13:11 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south between Subtle Islands and Marina Island, Sutil Channel.

12:50 • 2 Humpback Whales near Subtle Islands, Sutil Channel.

12:43 • Humpback Whales heading south just SE of Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait.

12:43 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, NE side of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene

Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures

11:48 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south 1/4 mile off Painters Lodge, Campbell River, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene

Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours

11:47 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0057 Niagara; BCY0291 KC◦ NW of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.

10:39 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north west of Marina Island, Sutil Channel. 1/2 mile straight west of Marina red can buoy.

10:33 • Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south off Race Point, Discovery Passage.

Jerry Weldon, Eagle Eye Adventures

10:15 • 2 Humpback Whales between Cortes Island and Marina Island, Sutil Channel. Between Cortes red can buoy and Marina red can buoy. ▫ Leaving the Scene

09:47 • Humpback Whales heading north 200 m off Walcan Seafood Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.

Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures

09:40 • 2 Humpback Whales in Quartz Bay on Cortes Island, Sutil Channel.

09:25 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north off Copper Cliffs north of Campbell River, Discovery Passage.

Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures

09:25 • 2 Humpback Whales doing circles, 1 mile WNW of red bell off Cortes Island, Georgia Strait.

09:13 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north between Painters Lodge and April Point, Discovery Passage. Looked like going north towards Steep Island. ▫ Observed from Shore

08:40 • 2 Humpback Whales off the south end of Marina Island, Sutil Channel.

08:09 • Humpback Whales mid-channel across from Cape Mudge Village on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.

07:30 • Humpback Whales mid-channel off Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy off Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait. From fisherman. ▫ Second Hand


Mon Jul 03 2017

16:07 • 3 Humpback Whales in Lewis Channel. ▫ Radio Report

Bill Coltart, Pacific Pro Dive

15:09 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north 1 mile south of Center Islet, Sutil Channel.

Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours

15:00 • 5-7 Humpback Whales doing circles, east of Read Island, Sutil Channel. Calm, just surfacing a few times then diving. Then showing up off in the distance. ▫ On Scene

Carolyn Azar, Vancouver, BC

SIGHTING MEDIA

Humpback Whales

Humpback Whale heading east of Read Island

Mon, 3 Jul 2017 – 1 items

Carolyn Azar, Vancouver, BC


SIGHTING MEDIA

Humpback Whales

Humpback Whale heading east of Read Island

Mon, 3 Jul 2017 – 1 items

Carolyn Azar, Vancouver, BC

14:48 • 3 Humpback Whales between South Rendezvous Island and West Redonda Island, Calm Channel. The 3 whales were within a half mile of each other.

12:31 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCX0565 Nick◦ off the south end of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene

12:25 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0057 Niagara; BCY0291 KC◦ in Redonda Bay, West Redonda Island, Deer Passage.

11:59 • 3 Humpback Whales near Hill Island, Sutil Channel. Two of them pointed at Penn Islands.

11:24 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, between Raza Island and Rendezvous Islands in Calm Channel.

11:20 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCX0565 Nick◦ heading north from Center Islet towards Hill Island, Sutil Channel.

10:44 • 2 Humpback Whales heading towards Raza Island, Deer Passage.

Radio, overheard or call out

10:38 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCX Spotlight◦ at Sentry Shoal, Georgia Strait.

10:02 • 3 Humpback Whales breaching, between Rebecca Spit and Whaletown, Sutil Channel. A couple other blows can be seen in the area.

Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures

09:00 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south about 1 mile southeast of Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait. Circling slowly. ▫ Leaving the Scene

08:07 • 2 Humpback Whales between Cape Mudge and Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.

PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS


Fri Jul 07 2017

15:38 • PWS Dolphins in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage. 2 boats on site. ▫ Leaving the Scene

14:23 • PWS Dolphins milling, off Granite Point, Discovery Passage.

09:58 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins off Denham Bay north of Dent Rapids.


Thu Jul 06 2017

20:06 • PWS Dolphins foraging, heading south in Browns Bay and Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage. Very spread out.

Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours

16:35 • PWS Dolphins heading north at 45 Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. Heading for Kanish Bay.

15:38 • 10 PWS Dolphins heading east near Forward Bay, West Cracroft Island, Johnstone Strait.

14:50 • 10 PWS Dolphins heading east in Forward Bay, West Cracroft Island.

Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours

09:50 • PWS Dolphins spread out, at Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.


Wed Jul 05 2017

14:56 • est. 75 PWS Dolphins foraging, Bear Point, Johnstone Strait.

SIGHTING MEDIA

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Pacific White Sided Dolphins milling about near Granite Point

Wed, 5 Jul 2017 – 5 items

SIGHTING MEDIA

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Pacific White Sided Dolphins milling about near Granite Point

Wed, 5 Jul 2017 – 5 items

10:35 • est. 200 PWS Dolphins spread out, heading into Nodales Channel.

09:54 • PWS Dolphins heading south at Chatham Point, Discovery Passage.

SIGHTING MEDIA

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading south at Chatham Point

Wed, 5 Jul 2017 – 3 items

SIGHTING MEDIA

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Pacific White Sided Dolphins heading south at Chatham Point

Wed, 5 Jul 2017 – 3 items

09:17 • est. 100 PWS Dolphins heading south off Rock Bay, Johnstone Strait.


Tue Jul 04 2017

15:00 • PWS Dolphins doing circles, off Bodega Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. ▫ Leaving the Scene

11:19 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins heading north between Race Point and Duncan Bay, Discovery Passage.

Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours

10:22 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins heading south almost at Race Point, Discovery Passage.

Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures

09:23 • PWS Dolphins off Chatham Point, Discovery Passage.

Radio, overheard or call out

09:13 • est. 50 PWS Dolphins foraging, just above Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.


Mon Jul 03 2017

16:52 • PWS Dolphins foraging, just south of Race Point, Discovery Passage.

SIGHTING MEDIA

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Pacific White Sided Dolphins just south of Race Point

Mon, 3 Jul 2017 – 3 items

SIGHTING MEDIA

Pacific White Sided Dolphins

Pacific White Sided Dolphins just south of Race Point

Mon, 3 Jul 2017 – 3 items

15:10 • PWS Dolphins off Plumper Point and Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.

14:47 • PWS Dolphins in Browns Bay, Discovery Passage.

14:00 • est. 49 PWS Dolphins heading north approaching Browns Bay.

12:26 • PWS Dolphins heading south off 9 foot bay across from Okisollo Channel, Discovery Passage.

11:21 • est. 49 PWS Dolphins heading north in Kanish Bay. Information from Jack. ▫ Second Hand

OF SPECIAL NOTE


Wed Jul 05 2017

12:39 • 1 Other Species at red can buoy off Marina Reef, Sutil Channel. A Sea Otter was observed.

Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters

SIGHTING MEDIA

Other Species Worth Noting

Sea Otter at the red can buoy off of Marina Reef

Wed, 5 Jul 2017 – 1 items

Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters

SIGHTING MEDIA

Other Species Worth Noting

Sea Otter at the red can buoy off of Marina Reef

Wed, 5 Jul 2017 – 1 items

Colin Griffinson, Pacific Yellowfin Charters

SPECIES UNSURE


Tue Jul 04 2017

22:10 • 1 Species Unsure heading north close to the shore of Texada Island, Malaspina Strait. Single blow from lone Orca or smaller Humpback whale, observed from live cam.


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The Magazine

REGIONAL


Two Swimmers Got Out Of The Water Just As A Killer Whale Was About To Say “Hi”

BuzzFeed News

Two swimmers off the coast of Vancouver narrowly avoided a meet-and-greet with a curious killer whale – and it was all caught on film.It all unfolded over this past weekend as a pod of killer whales swam near scenic Whytecliff Park.

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

Sploid

Russian scientists have captured rare footage of a group of orcas hunting down and killing a 12-meter whale just off the Kamchatka peninsula. There are only about 200 carnivore orcas in the Russian Far East, TASS reported, citing biologist Tatiana Ivkovich, a researcher from St. Petersburg State University.
"It’s an amazing event. Over the course of all our work, we have once seen orcas finish eating a whale. And here we are, watching the hunt itself. Orcas ate a minke whale, it’s not a big one, up to 12 meters in length," the scientist said.

In the video, the orcas are seen chasing the whale to exhaust and drown it, the researcher noted. They then seemingly tear the whale apart, with blood appearing on the surface and being seen in the whale’s throat….

TGI, HI

Scientists and researchers kicked off the Hawaiian Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Survey on Thursday.
It’s a six-month tour of nearly 1.8 million square nautical miles through the main and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, with the goal of estimating the numbers of whales and dolphins in the waters.
"We’re covering the area with our two ships in hopes of collecting all the data we need for re-evaluating population structure, abundance and health, and examining habitat," said Erin Oleson, co-chief scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
This tour is the third in the series

Coffs Coast Advocate, AU

TAKING snaps of the surf got a whole lot more interesting for photographer Judd Findlay. n Tuesday, he noticed a pod of dolphins riding the waves off Mullaway when he spotted a dark grey shape off to the side. All of a sudden they (the pod of dolphins) spit into a group of about three," Judd said. It then became apparent to Judd the dark shape was a juvenile great white shark about 50m off the shore.
“You could have chucked a rock at it," Judd said, explaining how close to the shore this natural episode took place. He said the shark attempted to have a go at a group of smaller dolphins but was cut off by the larger ones in the pod. Judd said this continued for about 40 minutes before he lost sight of the dolphins and shark as they travelled further up the beach towards Mullaway. He said he carries a camera with him everywhere, but was gutted to have left behind his 600mm lens.

9 News, AU

Read Article for the latest video. See past videos, below.
“Whale-spotters sometimes spend whole seasons waiting for Migaloo, but this year Australia’s favourite white humpback whale made an early surprise appearance off the New South Wales Coast. Migaloo was spotted off Port Macquarie yesterday morning by whale-watching company Port Jet Cruise Adventures.And unlike previous sightings, he gave no warning.
"Normally, we get a bit of notice but not this time. Our spotter saw him and we raced to get the boats out," company owner Jodie Heeney told "He swam towards us so we switched off the engines and then he cruised over. He was really interested in us." Migaloo stuck around for several hours and swam underneath the boat, to the delight of two rounds of surprised whale watchers. "We hadn’t told the passengers. They were absolutely buzzing," she said.

For more details:
2014 Video
2012 Video
2008 Video


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