Rescuers Manage To Free Entangled Humpback Whale Calf

The Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) managed to free a baby humpback whale that had become entangled in rope off the coast of New South Wales. The young calf was first seen near Bermagui and was being protected by its mother. Unfortunately initial efforts to rescue the whale were prevented due to bad weather.

Cut through 150 metres of rope

When rescue teams finally reached the beleaguered whale, they used knives to cut through more than 150 metres of rope. Ian Kerr who headed up the rescue efforts said the probability of the calf surviving had greatly improved and added had the material not been cut through it was unlikely the calf would have been able to survive.

The whale has a good chance of survival now

The rescue effort included the attachment of buoys to the rope to slow the whale down and make it tire so that it would be safer to rescue. The team then pulled up alongside the mammal in small boats and began cutting away at the ropes. Mr. Kerr says that the number of whales is increasing combined with humans using the ocean means there is a much higher chance that whales will get caught up in fishing gear, nets or ropes as they migrate. He concluded by saying it was extremely gratifying to see the young calf continue south as it migrates with its mother.