Entangled whales freed from ropes (Australia)

CONSTANTLY IN MOTION : The whales drag the ropes behind them yesterday.

August 27^th, 2013 (Dan Proudman). TWO humpback whales struggling after becoming entangled in ropes have been cut free by rescuers off the mid-north coast.

National Parks and Wildlife Service officers were joined by Forster-Tuncurry marine rescue and other whale experts to help free the first 10-metre whale near Harrington on Monday.

As they were returning to base, a surfer raised the alarm about a second animal entangled off Old Bar.

‘‘Crews were also able to free this similar-sized whale also entangled in ropes and buoys,” the service’s acting Great Lakes area manager Rachel Kempers said.

The crews used an inflatable boat and hook-shaped knives on long poles to minimise injury to rescuers.

‘‘Increasing whale numbers and human use of the oceans mean there is a greater chance whales can be entangled in fishing gear, nets or ropes,’’ Ms Kempers said.

‘‘When entangled whales are reported we often need to locate the animal using an aerial search, as they can continue moving, and there can be long delays before the rescuers find them.

‘‘As entangled whales are often reported by fishers while they are at sea, it is of great assistance if they can remain with the animal until the rescue team arrives.’’

ORRCA rescue hotline (02) 9415 3333

Source