Story perspectives

Ferry strike prompts DFO necropsy of Notcho whale

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

Read the story

Story summary

Summary

Squamish Nation received the dead humpback whale Notcho for a cultural ceremony.
The ferry Queen of Surrey struck Notcho on Oct. 18 2026 between Grace Point and Keats Island.
Chairperson Wilson Williams announced a private ceremony and a DFO necropsy, with results expected in months.
DFO marine-mammal responder Paul Cottrell identified the carcass as Notcho (BCX1700).
DFO and Canadian Coast Guard towed the whale to Xwemelch’stn (Capilano) on Burrard Inlet.

1 of 1

Squamish Nation received the dead humpback whale Notcho for a cultural ceremony.
The ferry Queen of Surrey struck Notcho on Oct. 18 2026 between Grace Point and Keats Island.
Chairperson Wilson Williams announced a private ceremony and a DFO necropsy, with results expected in months.
DFO marine-mammal responder Paul Cottrell identified the carcass as Notcho (BCX1700).
DFO and Canadian Coast Guard towed the whale to Xwemelch’stn (Capilano) on Burrard Inlet.