Fisheries officers called off their attempts at freeing a large humpback whale caught in fishing equipment near Mullaloo Beach on Friday.
A Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions spokesperson confirmed a member of the public reported “a whale in possible distress” around 1pm near Mullaloo Surf Live Saving Club.
“DBCA staff were able to meet the person on-site and confirm a large humpback whale had become entangled,” they said.
Authorities reached the animal around 2:40pm but were forced to stop the disentanglement at sunset due to a lack of lighting, which made it unsafe for crews to help the whale safely.
“A team of DBCA and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development staff deployed and was able to attach a satellite tag onto the large humpback whale just before sunset, which will enable the disentanglement team to locate the whale tomorrow.”
“Depending on the whale’s location and weather conditions, the disentanglement team from DBCA and DPIRD plans to depart from Hillarys Marina at first light tomorrow morning to continue the disentanglement attempt.”
A Facebook user claimed the animal became entangled with a cray pot.
“Poor whale with a cray pot around its tail off Mullaloo Surf Club, fisheries are on their way,” the post said.
Source Agencies
