Cape Cod Humpback Whale Rescued

TRURO, MA — A humpback whale tangled in fishing gear off the coast of Cape Cod was cut free by rescuers Tuesday. A team from the nonprofit Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown said it was conducting a research survey on a boat when they came across the whale anchored in fishing gear about 2 miles off Ballston Beach in Truro.

"The whale had two tight wraps of rope around the base of the tail heading to gear on the seafloor; thankfully it was still able to reach the surface to breath," the center said in a statement. "After assessing the whale the team used a hook-shaped on a thirty foot long pole to cut through the wraps of rope around the tail. The whale swam off as soon as it was released."

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The center continued, "Based on its injuries, the whale was likely recently entangled but had dragged one set of fishing gear into two more gear sets, eventually anchoring it to the sea floor. Despite this, the whale appeared to be in good condition and is expected to recover."

The center encourages boaters who come across tangled marine life to contact their Marine Animal Entanglement Response hotline at 1-800-900-3622 or the US Coast Guard on VHF 16, and to stand by a safe distance until rescue crews arrive.

Related:

• Rescuers Save Whale Badly Entangled in Fishing Gear Off Martha's Vineyard
• Shark Rescue In Cape Cod Bay
• Great White Shark Faces Off Against Tangled Humpback Whale Off Cape Cod
• Rescuers Save Giant Sea Turtle Caught in Trap Off Martha's Vineyard

Photo: Crews rescue a humpback whale caught in fishing gear near Truro September 13, 2017. (Credit: Center for Coastal Studies)