Jerry McArthur, a B.C.-based entrepreneur known for his passion for ocean exploration, recently experienced a breathtaking encounter with a pod of Pacific white-sided dolphins while riding his electric hydrofoil in Howe Sound, north of Vancouver.
Filming the moment with a 360-degree camera, McArthur was surrounded by dozens of dolphins, some leaping out of the water as they matched his speed. “This is insane,” he exclaimed, expressing concern about accidentally hitting the marine mammals. The encounter, which lasted nearly 20 minutes, was a surreal experience as approximately 100 dolphins swooped underneath and surfaced alongside him.
McArthur and his friend initially tried to steer away, but the dolphins seemed eager to engage. “They wanted to play, I guess,” he said.
Pacific white-sided dolphins, known for their acrobatic displays, are commonly found in the North Pacific from California to Alaska. Once scarce along B.C.’s coast due to environmental degradation, these dolphins have made a remarkable comeback in recent years, coinciding with the return of herring to the Salish Sea. According to Andrew Trites of UBC’s Marine Mammal Research Unit, the resurgence of marine life, including whales, seals, and sea lions, signals a positive shift in the region’s ecosystem.
McArthur, who designed the Hydroflyer—an electric watercraft that offers a quieter alternative to gas-powered personal watercraft—described the experience as one of the most unique of his life. “I was on cloud nine,” he said, reflecting on the unforgettable moment that reaffirmed his love for the ocean.
Source: Swifteradio.com
