Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/humpback-crab-pot-rescue/
In the cold waters of Alaska, a young humpback whale found itself ensnared in a life-threatening situation. Local residents discovered the whale struggling with an extraordinary entanglement – a 300-pound crab pot, weighing it down with 450 feet of heavy-duty line, akin to being “hog-tied.”
This remarkable rescue operation took place near Gustavus, a city adjacent to the Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska.
Humpback whales are incredibly social creatures, often seen in pods.
A Desperate Call for Help
As The Guardian reports, he saga began when Sesylia Hazen and Kamille Williams, two observant local residents, noticed a humpback whale near Gustavus dock. The whale was displaying signs of distress – trailing two buoys, emitting unusual sounds, and unable to move freely.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the concerned citizens alerted the National Park Service (NPS) whale biologists.
Humpback whales are known for their magnificent acrobatic displays.
The Race Against Time
The clock was ticking. The entangled humpback had been in this dire situation for at least three days before its discovery, CBS News reports. The rescue mission, involving NPS patrol teams and experts from the Large Whale Entanglement Response network, was complex and perilous, given the massive size of the humpback whale, which weighed several tons.
Humpback whales are famous for their hauntingly beautiful songs.
A Glimpse into the Rescue
Dramatic video footage, captured by a drone camera, provides a glimpse into the intricate operation.
The entangled whale was swimming in tight clockwise circles, occasionally anchoring itself to the seafloor due to the massive crab pot, Sacramento Bee reports. This lifeline that had turned into a deadly trap was looped through the whale’s mouth, leading to a tangled mass at its tail.
Rescuers faced a daunting task, but they were determined to set the whale free.
Conservation efforts have helped increase humpback whale populations.
The Rescue Efforts
The rescue team carefully approached the distressed humpback, armed with specialized tools designed to keep both the responders and the whale safe. These tools included a 25-ft carbon fiber pole with a knife attached at the end, as well as grappling hooks modified with razor-sharp blades, reports The Guardian.
“The turning point came when we were able to cut the rope that ran through the whale’s mouth and was wrapped around its tail,” a whale biologist with Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve said in an NOAA news release.
Humpbacks have the largest pectoral fins of any whale species.
Their tenacity paid off when they managed to cut the rope that ran through the whale’s mouth and was wrapped around its tail.
“The whale maintained its curved posture after the lines were cut, but biologists expect that it returned to a more normal form once it was able to move freely again,” rescuers said. “After the team made the last cut, the whale disappeared, which the team took as a good sign that it was no longer hampered by the lines and could rapidly swim away.”
A Collective Effort
This heartening story of the humpback’s rescue highlights the power of community action and the dedication of those who protect our natural world. The rescue operation was a collaborative effort, with the local residents, NPS personnel, and experts working seamlessly to save a life in need.
See more in the video below.
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This inspiring operation took vigilance, quick response, and teamwork. When it comes to safeguarding our planet’s magnificent creatures, even in the face of perilous challenges, humans can come together to make a difference and ensure the survival of our marine friends.
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Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
