Coastal sailing team Bowen Island On Saturday, they saw a rare sight.
Witnesses told Global News that seven or eight killer whales, including a calf, stayed at the race for a long time, swimming playfully next to some of the sailboats.
Some Killer Whale The runners were only a few meters away.
“We didn't expect them to be so close, and they were hovering around the boat for most of the race … maybe half of it,” said Rafal Izdebski, who captured the encounter on camera.
The group of orcas were first spotted near the starting line at around 10am and then swam about 8km around the south shore of Bowen Island following several sailboats over about two hours.
“Once they reached the cape where we saw it … they stayed for about another hour,” Diana Izdebki said.
Breaking news from Canada and around the world
Sent to your email, as it happens.
“The killer whales looked like they were just playing. It was so cool.”
The boats are competitors in the annual Martin Marin Round the Bowen Regatta, an event that typically attracts more than 100 competitors.
Funds raised from the race will go towards supporting the Bowen Island Yacht Club’s learn-to-sail program for new sailors.
If British Columbians do see an orca or other whale, they are encouraged to report their sighting through the Whale Reporting App and slow their boat to almost a stop and wait for them to safely pass.
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
