Windsurfer collides with gray whale on SF bay; scientist raises concerns over marine life safety

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — A dramatic collision between a windsurfer and a gray whale on the San Francisco Bay is now raising questions about marine safety.

“It’s certainly concerning to see a collision like this, both from a human health standpoint, in terms of we’re very happy that this gentleman was okay, but as well for whale health in the Bay at large,” said Giancarlo Rulli, Marine Mammal Center.

Currently there are six gray whales on the San Francisco Bay. Federal law requires people to keep a 100-yard distance from whales.

The Marine Mammal Center calls San Francisco Bay a busy and confined space as whales migrate north from Mexico. This year, gray whales came into the bay early.

“There’s a lot of converging things happening in the bay right now. You have a high number of whales. Of course, there’s high-speed ferries transporting thousands of people daily to work every day. You have large container ships daily coming into the bay to the port of Oakland,” said Rulli.

Since 2016, Gray whales have lost more than 50% of their overall population.

Their advice to windsurfers, boaters and anyone else in the water: look out for them.

“We say, if you see a spout or see a blow, go slow. Because those are typically trademarks for gray whale presence, before they continue a dive. So, the biggest thing is, if you see any of these, whether it’s a spout, or whether they’re mud plumes. Remove yourself from that situation. Keep yourself a safe distance away. If you’re in a boat,” said Rulli.

Four gray whales have washed up dead on the San Francisco Bay this year.