Volunteers save orca stranded near Hartley Bay

On Wednesday (July 22), a group of B.C. residents saved a female orca, which had become beached on some rocks in Squally Channel, near Hartley Bay on B.C.'s northern coast.

After hearing reports early Wednesday morning of the distressed animal, several volunteers, including members from the Guardians from Hartley Bay, Whale Point, and the World Wildlife Federation, were able to keep the orca from overheating using blankets, sheets, and a water pump.

By 3:30 p.m., the orca was floating and was able to return to the water about 45 minutes later.

In a Facebook post, the group Whale Point said, "She cried often, which tore at our hearts, but as the tide came up there were many cheers as this whale was finally free after 6+ hours of being stuck on this rock."

The orca was identified as T69E, a member of Transient Pod T69. Four other pod members remained in Squally Channel during the rescue.

"A giant thank you once again to this amazing community that comes together so quickly to protect what is sacred," said Whale Point.