Whale tangled in fishing gear for 3 days rescued
MARTHA'S VINEYARD - After spending three days tangled in fishing gear a 15-foot minke whale was rescued 40 miles south of Martha's Vineyard on Sunday, CBS Boston WBZ reports.
The Center for Coastal Studies' Marine Animal Entanglement Response team (MAER) was notified of the situation on Friday, but due to poor weather conditions was not able to respond right away.
WBZ reports when rescuers arrived at the scene on Monday, the whale was only able to swim in circles and had a rope wrapped around its jaw. The rope was attached to fishing gear on the sea floor.
"We are very thankful that the mariner reported the whale" said MAER team member Bob Lynch. "Had we not received notification as quickly as we did, the outcome would have been very different."
MAER used a hook-shaped knife at the end of a long pole to cut the rope and free the whale.
WBZ reports that the whale had minor injuries, and once freed was able to swim quickly away. The whale is expected to heal on its own.
"I think the whale is probably doing well today," said responder Jenn Tackaberry. "It may be a little sore from being entangled for so many days, but overall it looked to be in good condition once we released it."