Some heroes wear capes, others wear wetsuits and swimming gear. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), once again, sprang into action at the first sign of distress in the Cape’s waters – this time, however, it was a juvenile Humpback whale that was in desperate need of rescuing.
The young gentle giant had found itself entangled in fishing rope and flotation buoys near Elands Bay in the West Coast, according to a report from a Purse Seiner fishing vessel, which alerted the SA Whale Disentanglement Network (SAWDN).
Having received the alert from SAWDN, specially-trained crew members from NSRI station 24 Lamberts Bay, NSRI station 44 St Helena Bay and NSRI station 34 Yzerfontein were immediately dispatched, armed with specialised SAWDN cutting equipment.
‘On arrival in the area of where the whale had been spotted, a search commenced and the eight-metre juvenile Humpback whale was located approximately one nautical mile offshore, 17 nautical miles south of Lamberts Bay,’ said NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon.
‘The whale was found to have multiple wraps of fishing rope entangled around the tail fluke and caudal peduncle – and dragging flotation buoys.’
Lambinon added that the whale appeared to be tired and lethargic, suggesting that it had been entangled for quite some time.
‘A kegging buoy and an extra flotation buoy were attached to the existing entangled fishing rope – in an effort to increase the whale’s buoyancy and to further limit movement of the whale – this was a precaution as already the whale was not moving around much,’ he explained.
With several cuts needed to free the young whale, the NSRI rescue craft was gently manoeuvred alongside the whale to position the crew to commence the challenging task of cutting free the multiple wraps of fishing rope cautiously and without harming the juvenile.
‘The NSRI rescue craft followed the whale while cuts to the rope, using the specialised cutting equipment, were made at intervals,’ said rescue team leader, NSRI Yzerfontein’s Johan Liebetrau.
‘The whale appeared to cooperate with the extensive efforts that were being employed to cut free the stubborn wraps of thick fishing rope.’
There were a total of eight cuts made before all fishing rope and flotation buoys were successfully cut free from the whale.
‘All of the fishing rope and flotation buoys were recovered for investigation and disposal by SAWDN and the Department of Environment,’ added Liebetrau.
‘Efforts were made to catch up with the whale after all wraps of fishing rope were cut free and recovered, but the young whale sped off, swimming confidently and diving, without hanging around and without any hesitation.’
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Picture: NSRI
