Aly Liu | M/V Osprey | Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 12:30 pm
M/V Osprey departed the hazy fog swallowing Friday Harbor on July 16 with heavy hearts; between Smith Island and Minor Island in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, a member of the Pacific Whale Watch Association reported the stranding of a killer whale that morning, raising concerns across our team. The individual was identified as T065B2, a seven-year old male Bigg’s killer whale known as Nettle.
We were soon distracted by a sea otter just outside the harbor by Turn Point, and shortly after, six dorsal fins belonging to a family of Bigg’s (Transient) killer whales. Although it was raining, today may have been one of my favorite encounters this season; watching these magical animals surface and listening to them breathe through layers of rain hitting the ocean’s surface was nothing short of mesmerizing. Here is who we had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with:
T109A/Frio/Runaway — female, born in 1990
T109A4/Garrett— male, born in 2012
T109A5/Argyle — born in 2014
T109A6/Riley — female, born in 2018
T109A7/Wieland — male, born in 2021
T109A8/Weiss — born in 2025
Later that afternoon, applause erupted aboard Osprey with good news. The SeaDoc Society and the Whale Museum Response Program collaborated that afternoon to gather a team of highly trained marine mammal biologists and wildlife veterinarians to respond to Nettle, the stranded 7-year-old. Fortunately, no intervention was required, as the rising tide gave Nettle enough assistance to free himself and eventually return safely to his family. Today was a beautiful example of the success that results from collaboration between whale watch operators and local research organizations; each played a key role, and together, they were able to ensure the survival of a young whale.
Thanks to everyone who joined us today, and thanks to our local non-profit groups who worked with us to make a positive impact on the Salish Sea.
Want more information about the Pacific Whale Watch Association? See https://www.pacificwhalewatchassociation.com/
Want to see more photos from our trips? Visit our SmugMug page at: https://sanjuansafaris.smugmug.com/