BladeRunner the Humpback Whale (Australia)
Vessel strike (vessel collision) is a recognised cause of injury and mortality for many marine mammals and large whales, including humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).
A well-known female humpback whale named “BladeRunner”, recognisable by the distinctive scars across the left side of her upper body and the right tail fluke make her easy to identify in photos and videos.
These large propeller strikes have left shallow to deep indentations scarring running forward of the dorsal fin to the mid tail stock or peduncle area and part of her right-side tail (fluke). Cause of scars: A boat/ship propeller strike (vessel strike), with injuries reported to have occurred in July of 2001 off Sydney NSW. Australia.
BladeRunner has been repeatedly sighted along the east coast of Australia from Antarctic, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland waters.
BladeRunner a whale surviving a vessel strike highlights both the resilience of humpback whales and the high-risk vessels pose when whales surface to breathe, rest, feed, or socialise.
Public sightings of BladeRunner (from shore, whale-watching vessels, and drones) help researchers and managers understand whale movements and hotspots along the migration route, called the “humpback highway”.
How to help reduce vessel strikes
• Slow down and keep a good lookout in known whale migration areas, especially near shore.
• Give whales extra space if you see breaching, tail slapping, or repeated surfacing
(they may change direction unpredictably).
• Avoid cutting across a whale’s path; steer to maintain separation and minimise sudden speed changes.
• Follow local marine park and whale-watching approach rules for your state/territory.
If you see BladeRunner report her sighting to sightings@marinemammalresearch.com
with details and photos and videos if taken.
Key details needed:
Date: 01 06 2026
Time: 1300 hour
Location: Sydney Lat n Long ( if possible or a screen shot of your location)
Travelling: North or South
with a calf or another whale (escort)
Marine Mammal Research
Research - Education - Conservation