Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication. 

Introduction

At 3.30pm this afternoon DOC staff were able to cut free debris wrapped around the midriff and tail of a 12-metre humpback whale that they have been working with since 8.30 this morning.

Date:  29 September 2010

At 3.30pm this afternoon DOC staff were able to cut free debris wrapped around the midriff and tail of a 12-metre humpback whale that they have been working with since 8.30 this morning.

Immediately following its release, the whale headed steadily out to sea.

The freed humpback whale dives down before heading out to sea at 17 knots.
The freed humpback whale dives down
before heading out to sea at 17 knots

DOC staff on board the boat carrying out the operation, Mike Morrissey and Patrick Whaley, are absolutely delighted by the result.

Humpback whales are magnificent creatures, known for their beautiful song, acrobatics and inquisitive nature. They are classified as endangered. Without intervention, the whale would have died.

The procedure used to free it, called ‘kegging’ is a technique designed to minimise risk to people involved in an operation of this nature. Working so closely with an animal of this size and strength is potentially very dangerous. Mike Morrissey, who led the operation, has received specialised training in Australia on this technique and has had previous experience.

Ingrid Visser, an experienced orca expert, has been assisting the department throughout the 2 day operation. The department is very grateful for Ms Visser’s support.

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More photos from the operation

Cutting the debris from the whale. 
Cutting the debris from the whale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boat is approaching the tangled humpback whale.
Boat is approaching the tangled
humpback whale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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