Humpback whale “anchored in place” by fishing gear released off Boston – CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) – A humpback whale entangled off the coast of Boston is swimming freely thanks to a team of rescuers. The Center for Coastal Studies’ Entanglement Response Team came to the aid of the adult female on Wednesday after she was “anchored in place” by fishing gear.
The Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch reported the stranded whale named Valley at the southern end of Stellwagen Bank, northeast of Provincetown. The MAER team found Valley “a heavy tow rope that got lodged in its mouth”.
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CCS emergency responders used specially designed knives on long poles to cut the line of the heavily entangled whale
Credit: Center for Coastal Studies, NOAA permit # 18786-05
“During the night, the whale traveled about 25 miles north to the waters outside Boston Harbor, but early in the morning it dragged its entanglement in other fishing gear and anchored itself on place, “the center said in a statement. “A lobster fishing vessel found her and reported her plight, and the CSC team deployed for a second rescue attempt.”
Valley strapped in with more gear and was only able to swim in small circles when rescuers arrived. They used a hook-shaped knife attached to a 30-foot pole to cut the equipment and tied buoys to the rope in his mouth that allowed him to get away from the tangle.
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Fortunately, the whale was able to move away from the craft at high speed.
CCS emergency responders used specially designed knives on long poles to cut the line of the heavily entangled whale
Credit: Center for Coastal Studies, NOAA permit # 18786-05
“Based on her relatively poor body condition, it looks like she was entangled for weeks or months, so it is likely that the entanglement equipment was picked up somewhere during her migration north from humpback whale mating and calving grounds in the West Indies, â€the center said. noted. “Now free from the stress and exhausting effort of dragging around the heavy tangle, Valley’s prognosis is good.”
Boaters who see a whale or other entangled animal should call the MAER team at 1-800-900-3622, or contact the Coast Guard.
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