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Successful Whale Disentanglement off Maitlands

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At 15h00 on Monday 28 July, The South African Whale Disentanglement Network was activated to respond to approximately 200 meters off-shore of Maitlands River Mouth, Port Elizabeth, (20 nautical miles West of the Port of Port Elizabeth), following reports of a 7 meter juvenile humpback whale entangled in rope and buoys.

The NSRI Port Elizabeth sea rescue craft EIKOS RESCUER IV and the Raggy Charters boat WINKEL responded carrying the volunteer members of SAWDN.

On arrival on-scene at 17h10, in fading light (with only approximately 40 minutes of daylight remaining), the whale was found to be entangled in rope, 2 floatation buoys and a float, with the rope entangled around the peduncle (5 wraps) and around the head and the mouth and the whale was swimming freely but appearing to be burdened by the weight of the entanglement.

An extensive disentanglement operation progressed, using the specialised disentanglement equipment, and in an operation lasting just under 40 minutes all rope appears to have been successfully removed from the whale.

The whale surfaced next to the sea rescue craft and then began to swim around in larger and larger circles before disappearing into the night and appeared to be getting stronger and swimming more confidently as it progressed and SAWDN are optimistic that the operation has been successful.

The operation was completed at 18h00 and the boats returned to Port at 19h15.

Images here: Humpback whale release, Maitland’s River Mouth.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.