Whale caught in fish trap | Coffs Coast News | Local News in Coffs Coast

A FOUR hour rescue mission has successfully saved a humpback whale that became snared in ropes attached to a fish trap off Mullaway Headland.

The nine-metre long mammal is the second whale in as many weeks to be freed from an entanglement in the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Fishermene alerted authorities that the animal was struggling on the surface, dragging the trap about two kilometres offshore at 7.30am on Saturday.

National Parks and Wildlife marine rescue officers responded along with Woolgoolga Sea Rescue volunteers.

"When we got there the whale was barely able to swim, virtually immobilised, he was completely tied up by the ropes," Sea Rescue president Jim Woodhill said.

"They really are remarkable creatures.  It almost seemed like he was happy to have us there and must have known we were there to help him.

"He was just so docile and throughout the whole rescue never thrashed about and never endangered any of the rescue boats."

Marine rescue workers used a knife fitted on the end of a long pole to cut the whale free.

"He had obvious rope burns and had a bit of skin knocked off but other than that, he was fine and once free, he gave one big slap of his tail and was off."

The trap was removed from the water and taken to shore.

Saturday's rescue follows a similiar incident in the same area last weekend.

A 40-tonne humpback was cut free from fishing gear, north east of North Solitary Island.

Fisheries officers helped the whale continue on its southern migration, cutting it free from ropes.

It was thought the whale that was disentangled last weekend, was the same animal spotted in distress off Sawtell then again off Brooms Head a few days later.

"Increasing whale numbers and human use of the oceans mean there is a greater chance whales can be entangled in fishing gear, nets and ropes," NPWS area manager Glenn Storrie said.