Search for reported entangled whale in Penobscot Bay suspended

The search for a young humpback reported to be entangled in fishing gear in Penobscot Bay has been suspended.Maine Marine Patrol says passengers on board a Maine State Ferry running between Lincolnville and Islesboro reported seeing the whale at about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.At about 9:25 a.m., Marine Patrol started searching the area with three boats and an airplane to try to find the whale and determine if it needed help, but crews were unable to locate the animal.After searching for five hours, the effort was suspended, pending any further sightings.Whales are federally protected and only authorized people and agencies can try to rescue a whale.The Maine Marine Patrol Disentanglement Team is a member of the Atlantic Large Whale Disentanglement Network. The Disentanglement Network was established in 1994 to increase response to entangled marine animals in the U.S. and Canada.The Marine Patrol Disentanglement Team is comprised of up to eight people located throughout the State of Maine. All members are trained and accredited through the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies in conjunction with the National Marine Fisheries Service and actively engage in disentanglement efforts each year.

ISLESBORO, Maine —

The search for a young humpback reported to be entangled in fishing gear in Penobscot Bay has been suspended.

Maine Marine Patrol says passengers on board a Maine State Ferry running between Lincolnville and Islesboro reported seeing the whale at about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

At about 9:25 a.m., Marine Patrol started searching the area with three boats and an airplane to try to find the whale and determine if it needed help, but crews were unable to locate the animal.

After searching for five hours, the effort was suspended, pending any further sightings.

Whales are federally protected and only authorized people and agencies can try to rescue a whale.

The Maine Marine Patrol Disentanglement Team is a member of the Atlantic Large Whale Disentanglement Network. The Disentanglement Network was established in 1994 to increase response to entangled marine animals in the U.S. and Canada.

The Marine Patrol Disentanglement Team is comprised of up to eight people located throughout the State of Maine. All members are trained and accredited through the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies in conjunction with the National Marine Fisheries Service and actively engage in disentanglement efforts each year.