Gray whale tangled in Dana Point Harbor is freed

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Los Angeles Times

Gray whale tangled in Dana Point Harbor is freed
The animal, caught in a tangle of fishing nets and other gear, is cut free by rescuers and makes for the open ocean.
By Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times

May 13, 2010

It was looking pretty grim Wednesday for the gray whale floating listlessly in the shallow waters of Dana Point Harbor.

Experts said the whale looked emaciated and old, and some observers worried that the roughly 35-foot, 30-ton creature's days were numbered.But as news choppers churned overhead and a growing number of spectators watched from shore, the distressed whale's fortunes appeared to change.

It took about four hours for a team of marine animal rescue workers to remove the mesh rope knotted around the whale's head and tail, said Tim Sullivan of the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.

~snip~
A crew trained in disentangling marine animals from nets arrived at the harbor Wednesday. The team, with members from Sea World in San Diego, the Ocean Institute and the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, had never tried to rescue a whale.

Barry Curtis, who was on one of the boats, said he caressed the animal and spoke soothingly to it as other workers used a long pole with a sickle-shaped blade to remove the nets. Curtis said the whale appeared young, not old as marine biologists had first thought.


Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/custom/topofthetimes/callocal/la-me-0513-whale-20100513,0,2563775.story?page=1

[canetoad]

1. Good to hear an animal story with a happy end

Too many tragedies these days.

[Mojorabbit]

2. I feel the same way

This is a wonderful story and I really needed it just now.

[Ex Lurker]

3. Brave work by the rescuers

if the whale thrashed about, they could have been hurt or killed.

[Judi Lynn]

8. It's interesting seeing the whale remained very calm when they arrived.

That would underscore what we've been told before, in that they are truly gentle, and intelligent.

[riantor]

4. keep it safe

Somethings is happened everyday beyond expectation. Safe the world, planet and animals will keep us alives. I hope so
เรียนต่อต่างประเทศ

[madmax]

5. Hi.. what language is that on your website? nt

[Judi Lynn]

6. Wow! I'd really like to know, as well. Amazing script. n/t

[kestrel91316]

9. South Asian of some sort - Hindu, Cambodian, Nepalese?????

[Judi Lynn]

7. Welcome to D.U., riantor!

Very glad to see your post. :hi: