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Two grey whales stranded in B.C.’s Boundary Bay, Fisheries Department

May 10, 2019 | 8:33 PM

DELTA, B.C. — The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says a recovery effort is underway to help two grey whales stranded in Boundary Bay, south of Vancouver.

The department says a marine mammal response team is on site with a vessel and refloatation equipment to try and help the whales get back into deeper waters.

It is asking the public to stay at least 100 metres away to ensure everyone’s safety.

The Vancouver Aquarium says its head veterinarian, vet technicians and staff from its Marine Mammal Rescue Centre are also in the area to provide assistance.

The aquarium’s operator Ocean Wise says on Twitter that the whales are a mother and calf, and the tide is coming in so the hope is that the pair will be able to swim away.

The Fisheries Department says the whales were spotted near Centennial Park, in Delta, B.C., not far from United States border.

There have been several report of grey whales washing ashore along the North American coast this year as the whales make their annual migration north from Mexico to Alaska.

Experts have said several of the whales have died from malnutrition, although others have been struck by ships.

(With files from the Associated Press)

 

The Canadian Press