The response team used sharp knives on long poles to cut away the rope. CCS image taken under NOAA permit #18786
CHATHAM – A young humpback whale was rescued after becoming trapped in fishing gear off the coast of Chatham on Friday.
Rescue crews from the Center for Coastal Studies were called after recreational boaters spotted the animal in distress. A Coast Guard crew from Station Chatham were on standby until the Marine Animal Entanglement Response team arrived.
Rescue personnel found the whale with line through its mouth. The line was attached to heavy gear located on the sea floor.
The team spent about 20 minutes cutting the line, freeing the animal. The whale sped off after it was disentangled, which officials say was a good sign for the animal’s health.
The Center for Coastal Studies Humpback Whale Studies team will try to identify the whale to follow-up on its health.
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