A man who got up close and personal with a grey whale off the coast of Vancouver Island says he has no regrets.
Steve Darvill was camping with friends at Keeha Bay outside of Bamfield when a giant grey whale swam close to shore, likely to feed.
“It was pretty much right across from our campsite, so we walked on down to the beach to get some pictures,” Darvill told CTV News. “It was so close I decided to try to get a little bit closer to see if I could get a better look at it.”
The Shawnigan Lake man walked up within about five feet of the whale. Although he never touched the mammal, he did post a video of the encounter on social media and it’s been stirring up controversy.
“People are going to say what they’re going to say, I’m not here to please the internet,” Darvill said “Even given the feedback, maybe we wouldn’t post it publicly, but it’s something I don’t regret at all. It was just so magical.”
Looking back on the experience, Darvill admits he would do it again.
“I don’t regret standing that close and getting a good sense for this thing. I don’t think I’m ever going to get a chance like that ever again in my life,” Darvill added.
The man said he hasn’t heard from any authority about the incident.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans said that because the man didn’t touch the ocean giant, charges are not being considered.
