The discovery was described as a very harsh scene by those on board the vessel navigating the area. According to initial observations, the female's body showed a severe back injury, while the calf, which still had its umbilical cord, likely died shortly after its mother, as survival for calves in such circumstances is virtually impossible.
Witnesses reported that at the time of the discovery, several blue sharks were feeding on the remains, a natural process in the marine ecosystem. However, the main concern remains the origin of the injuries found on the animals.
“"The images point to a very violent impact. We must investigate whether this could be a collision with a large vessel."
The Barcelona Canyon is an area of high ecological value that overlaps with routes frequently used by ferries and high-speed vessels. This increases the risk of collisions with cetaceans, an issue experts have long been highlighting. In response, an official investigation has been requested to assess whether current shipping routes are compatible with marine wildlife conservation.
The goal of this public report is to push for changes in maritime traffic management, such as reducing vessel speeds in sensitive areas. The Catalan coast, especially the Garraf area, is a common corridor for various cetacean species during spring, making the protection of these waters a priority for conservation groups.
