Young humpback whale freed from nets off Gold Coast beach
A young humpback whale has been freed from fish netting after several hours as a delicate rescue operation on the Gold Coast came to a successful end late this afternoon.
Originally found in distress this morning just off the Broadbeach surf, the young whale was spotted dragging a long fishnet believed to have been picked up around Tasmania or Victoria.
The situation prompted SeaWorld rescuers to come from both air and sea to help free the lone animal. But the whale kept swimming away from rescue crews.
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The netting and bouy was wrapped around the whale's tail. Nine
The situation prompted SeaWorld rescuers to come from both air and sea to answer to help free the lone animal. But the whale wasn't helping its own rescue by swimming away from rescue crews. Nine
Wayne Phillips from Sea World told 9News the crew was humbled to help free the young whale. Nine
"There was a lot of shifting and moving to keep the whale in the right position," Wayne Phillips from Sea World told 9News.
The young animal was freed late this afternoon.
"We're humbled to have the opportunity to help any marine life in need, it would be nice if it wasn't caused by us humans," Mr Phillips said.
"He has plenty of power at the end and took off a happy whale hopefully."
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