Humpback whale hit by ferry in Elliott Bay



SEATTLE -- A ferry in Elliott Bay reportedly hit a whale Tuesday evening.

A Washington State Ferries spokesperson says the whale was hit between 8:15 and 8:30 p.m. by a ferry traveling from Seattle to Bainbridge Island.

The spokesperson says WSF Wenatchee was leaving Colman Dock and heading toward Bainbridge when the whale broke about 5 feet from the vessel and was hit. It happened about 3 minutes into the trip.

The whale went back down into the water, and crews have not been able to find it. The Coast Guard was searching the area for signs of the whale.

The West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network has been notified and is on alert for an injured or dead whale in the area.
To report a dead, injured or stranded marine mammal, please call the network at 1-866-767-6114.