Image Credit: Department of National Defence

On August 27, 2025, a humpback whale in distress was discovered tangled in a buoy-and-line system in the Strait of Georgia. The sighting occurred around 10:15 a.m., when Mickael El-Hachem, a crew member aboard the Canadian Forces Auxiliary Vessel Stikine, noticed an unusual movement in the water—what first appeared to be a drifting buoy turned out to be a whale ensnared roughly two nautical miles northeast of Area Whiskey Golf.

Swift Response & Coordinated Action

By 10:30 a.m., the entanglement was confirmed. Captain Bill Lawrenuk, commanding officer of Stikine, promptly notified Lieutenant (Navy) Donald MacDonald, Range Officer, and Melina Sorensen, Environmental Officer. Sorensen reached out to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), which quickly mobilized Marine Mammal Coordinator Paul Cottrell and two fisheries officers to assist.

Commander Craig Piccolo, CFMETR’s commanding officer, ordered all Stikine operations to pause, placing the rescue mission at top priority. The vessel remained on-site, tracking the whale’s movements and behavior from a safe distance.

Rescue Mission & Recovery

DFO teams arrived at approximately 12:45 p.m. and, after evaluating the situation, collaborated with the Stikine crew to formulate a safe disentanglement strategy. Additional support came from Ranger 3, a CFMETR security vessel, dispatched at DFO’s request.

By 4:00 p.m., the whale was successfully freed from the fishing gear. Officials reported the animal was in stable condition following the operation.

Why It Matters

This rescue showcases the power of rapid, cross-agency coordination between CFMETR and DFO. It’s a testament to their shared dedication to marine conservation and environmental responsibility. the word.