Humpback whale entangled in rope at fish farm on Isle of Skye freed after 'tireless' work by rescuers

A humpback whale that had become entangled at a fish farm on the Isle of Skye has been freed.

A member of staff spotted the humpback in difficulty at the Invertote salmon farm near Rigg around 7am on Thursday.

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) were contacted and normal farming operations were suspended while efforts were made to free the mammal.

The whale was eventually freed on Friday after “tireless” work by rescuers.

Marine mammals, including dolphins and whales, are a common near salmon farms, but Invertote said it is “extremely rare” for them to come into contact with the sites.

A spokesperson added: “During the rescue, it became clear that the whale had previously been entangled and was carrying old ropes of a type not used by Organic Sea Harvest.

“It was this existing entangled rope which caught onto the farm moorings as it swam by.

“Thankfully the BDMLR team were not only able to free the whale from the salmon farm, but they were also able to free it of the other ropes it had been carrying.”

A spokesperson for Organic Sea Harvast said the whale’s movements will continue to be monitored in case any further help is needed.

“We’re delighted to confirm that the humpback whale entangled at our salmon farm has been freed”, they said.

“Our farm staff, supported by expert divers from British Divers Marine Life Rescue, have worked tirelessly since discovering the whale just after 7am yesterday.

“This is the outcome we had all hoped for and worked towards.

“OSH staff will continue to monitor the whale’s movements and provide any further assistance to the authorities.

“We sincerely thank everyone involved in the rescue operation, especially the British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

“We would also like to offer our thanks to other salmon farmers and local seafaring community on Skye for all their offers of assistance.”