Entangled humpback whale spotted off Port Elliot at risk of survival
A struggling humpback whale entangled in rope that was spotted over the weekend, has not been freed.
The whale was first sighted on Saturday morning, September 14, and spent most of the day approximately four kilometres from shore near Port Elliot, east of Pullen Island.
Numerous people reported the entangled whale to the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) and an aerial search for the whale was conducted on Sunday morning.
DEW mobilised a 12 person disentanglement team and have also conducted a sea search, but the whale has so far not been located.
Dozens of whale watchers and members of the public have been involved in the search and other locations, including interstate, have been put on alert.
If sighted, a report should immediately be made to DEW. It is also important that vessels stay well away from the entangled whale to avoid distressing it further.
Photo: Megan Jensen
Encounter Whales spokesperson Elizabeth Steele-Collins said it was sad to witness yet another whale entanglement.
"It would be great if everyone can keep an eye open for the whale in case it is still hanging around our coast," she said.
"The photographs we've seen of the whale are not particularly encouraging as it appears the whale has already sustained injury.
"Its future survival will likely be dependant on whether or not it gets help."
"It would be wonderful if a successful disentanglement can happen before it attempts its migration South."