Trapped humpback whale in Queensland freed
- 00:00:43
- ITN
Trapped humpback whale in Queensland freed
Specialists have managed to free a humpback whale trapped in a shark net off the coast of Australia. The sea creature was spotted from Miami Beach on Queensland's Gold Coast region on Sunday morning. The animal was badly tangled and exhausted from trying to free itself. "It was completely enveloped in the net it was all over its head, all over its left pectoral fin and then completely wrapped around its tail," said Trevor Long of Australia's Seaworld. The men began the dangerous task of saving the 40 tonne mammal. In just under three hours the animal was free, but he took a little time to realise he could continue on his southerly migration home. Eventually he slapped the water with his tail and swam away. This is the second whale in September to be caught in shark nets on Queensland's Gold Coast. Shark nets have been in use around Australia's coastline for over 70 years and have been heavily criticised by conservation groups as the nets' by-catch includes thousands of dolphins, turtles, rays and dugongs each year.
ITN | September 27, 2009
