Watch: Rescuers free entangled minke whale off Cape Cod
Crews rushed to rescue a severely entangled minke whale off the waters east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on Tuesday.
The 18-foot whale was first seen entangled last Sunday in Cape Cod Bay by recreational fishermen.
The Marine Animal Entanglement Response Program at the Center for Coastal Studies conducted a search for the whale the following morning off Provincetown and Truro without any luck.
After a few days, an aerial survey team spotted the animal off Nauset Inlet in Eastham, Massachusetts. The MAER team was already on the water and immediately responded.
Video shows the crew cutting large fishing ropes, buoys, and other equipment from the whale’s mouth and body.
A heavy rope was wrapped around the whale multiple times, which would have made it difficult for the animal to feed.
The team then used a hook-shaped knife at the end of a long pole to selectively cut away most of its entanglement. One portion of line was left on the whale’s flipper because removing it would have caused excessive bleeding, according to wildlife officials.
Despite the whale’s poor prognosis, the MAER team said it resumed normal swimming behavior after being freed.
“It is pretty rare for a free-swimming entangled minke whale to be seen again after its initial report,” said Scott Landry, director of the MAER program. “It was very lucky and fortunate that the aerial team resighted it.”
Officials said the whale had traveled more than 50 miles while towing the fishing equipment.
Boaters are urged to report any entanglement sightings of whales, sea turtles or other marine animals to the MAER team (1-800-900-3622) or the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF 16, and to stand by the animal at a safe distance until trained responders arrive.