EncDate: 24/04/21

EncSeq: 1

Enc#: 22

ObservBegin: 02:27 PM

ObservEnd: 03:01 PM

Vessel: Mike 1

Staff: Mark Malleson

Other Observers: Joe Zelwietro

Pods: Transients

LocationDescr: Oak Bay Flats

Start Latitude: 48 24.6

Start Longitude: 123 16.8

End Latitude: 48 23.4

End Longitude: 123 18.3

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EncSummary:
Mark received a call from a friend sailing in Oak Bay that several killer whales were heading west in Baynes Channel just after 1330. He hopped in the truck to meet Joe at Mike 1 and they departed just after 1400.
As they approached Trial Island, George Hamilton called to say he had spotted the animals from his own boat as they headed southwest from the Chain Islets. Mark and Joe slowed as they exited Enterprise Channel and spotted the animals just ahead of them. They started the encounter at 1427 at 48° 24.6 N / 123° 16.8 W, and shortly confirmed the T049Bs. All four members were present and swimming in a single tight group as they moved offshore toward Staines Point at the south end of Trial Island. The group was averaging five to six minute dives and though they briefly angled toward the kelp beds along the east side of Trial, no predation was observed.
Mark and Joe ended the encounter at 1501 at 48° 23.4 N / 123° 18.3 W as the whales continued southwest against a moderate flood current, aiming over Constance Bank.