In a daring rescue effort, a humpback whale ensnared in fishing ropes has been successfully liberated. The distressed adult whale, affectionately known as Ivy, was discovered offshore in Cornwall's Mounts Bay, nestled between Mousehole and Newlyn, on Easter Sunday. Dan Jarvis, representing the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), described the perilous situation, with ropes tightly wound around the whale's head and dorsal fin, weighing the creature down. Fortunately, Ivy managed to surface for air, averting a potential tragedy.
Acknowledging the inherent risks involved in such operations, Jarvis emphasized the dangerous nature of freeing a whale of Ivy's size, citing instances where seasoned rescuers had lost their lives in similar attempts.
However, thanks to the swift response of a specialist team from BDMLR and the valiant efforts of Penlee Lifeboat crews, Ivy was soon released from her entanglement. The news was met with relief and jubilation, marking a triumphant victory for marine conservation.
Hannah Wilson, co-owner of Marine Discovery in Penzance, highlighted the growing frequency of such incidents, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance. She commended the quick action of the public in spotting Ivy's predicament, emphasizing the critical role of awareness and swift reporting in safeguarding marine life.
With a powerful thrash of its tail, Ivy was finally freed from the constraining ropes, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the challenges faced by whales returning to the region's shores.
The successful rescue of Ivy serves as a poignant reminder of the tireless dedication of marine conservationists and the crucial importance of collaborative efforts in protecting our ocean's majestic creatures.
Source: BBC (April 1, 2024). Entangled humpback whale rescued from fishing ropes. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-68706905#
Picture from BBC
