A humpback whale near Comox was freed from entanglement, after a ferry passenger spotted the animal in distress.
Paul Cottrell, marine mammal co-ordinator with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, says someone on the ferry from Little River to Powell River saw the whale towing a line and a buoy on Thursday. His rescue team found it and worked all afternoon, finally freeing the whale around 11 pm Thursday night.
The whale was tangled in recreational prawn fishing gear. The team was able to remove most of it, except the buoy; they are hoping to find the whale again to finish the job.
The name and phone number of the owner must be attached to all fishing gear. Cottrell says he has contacted the owner to try and find out where the whale became entangled.
Cottrell says it’s an example of why it’s important for the public to call the marine mammal hotline if they see an animal in trouble. The number is 1-800-465-4336.
CHEK News has shared footage from the rescue, you can see it here.
