EncDate: 30/12/21

EncSeq: 1

Enc#: 95

ObservBegin: 03:42 PM

ObservEnd: 04:22 PM

Vessel: Mike 1

Staff: Mark Malleson

Other Observers: Joe Zelwietro, George Hamilton

Pods: Transients

LocationDescr: Victoria waterfront

Start Latitude: 48 24.2

Start Longitude: 123 19.7

End Latitude: 48 23.9

End Longitude: 123 22.5

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EncSummary:

Mark and George were already on the water when they received a report of killer whales heading southwest from Haro Strait into Oak Bay. Joe mobilized Mike 1 and met them at the dock for a late afternoon departure. They left the harbour just after 1530 and turned east, expecting to find the animals in the vicinity of Trial Island.
Slowing as they approached Harling Point on the Victoria waterfront, Mark spotted the whales inshore of the research boat. The encounter began at 1542 with a pair of westbound killer whales, T049A2 and T097. Both individuals were seen last week, just before Christmas, though T049A2 was then travelling with his uncle, T049C (see Encounter #91) and T097 was solo, two days behind them (see Encounter #93). The two bulls were making good speed in a strong ebb current and had reached Clover Point in only two breath cycles. Just west of Clover Point, the duo nabbed a presumed harbour seal and commenced prey sharing. As is often the case with solo animals, the two made quick work of their prey, though they did spend some time enjoying the spoils. After watching the exhibition for a little while, the crew ended the encounter just off Brotchie Ledge and entered the harbour at 1630.