Rescuers Disentangle Humpback Whale in Cape Cod Bay

PHOTO COURTESY: CENTER FOR COASTAL STUDIES

PROVINCETOWN – The Center for Coastal Studies Marine Animal Entanglement Response team disentangled a humpback whale in Cape Cod Bay Friday.

The crew of a passing boat reported the entanglement.

The humpback was located in the middle of Cape Cod Bay. When the response team arrived on site they discovered that the whale was anchored in place with line wrapped around its flukes.

The responders were able to establish a working line to the entanglement to mark the progress of the whale during dives, then use a hooked knife on the end of a long pole to cut away the gear.

Officials with the Center for Coastal Studies said the whale swam north, out of Cape Cod Bay, and has a good prognosis for survival.

The Humpback Whale Studies team is working to identify the whale.

Mariners are urged to report any entanglement sightings of whales, sea-turtles and other marine animals to the Marine Animal Entanglement Response Hotline (1-800-900-3622) or the US Coast Guard, and to stand by the animal at a safe distance until trained responders arrive.