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A humpback whale has been freed from fishing line and ropes off South Golden Beach, north of Brunswick Heads.
The rescue operation, conducted in high winds and rough seas, involved multiple organisations.
The whale’s plight was initially reported by a member of the public to ORRCA, the NSW whale rescue organisation.
The Sea World Foundation and Marine Rescue Brunswick Heads were called in to assist.
Initial efforts to lasso the entangled rope proved unsuccessful, leading the team to deploy a large buoy to allow closer access for cutting the lines.
The whale appeared to cooperate during the rescue, remaining relatively still as the team worked.
After several attempts, the fishing line and rope were completely removed, allowing the whale to swim freely.
“Yeah that final cut, all the gear comes off, it’s always a great feeling, even more so today,” Sea World Foundation skipper Andy Mulville said.
Humpback migration season typically concludes by early November.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
