Rescuers working to free humpback whale entangled in rope off Isle of Skye

A humpback whale has become entangled in rope off the Isle of Skye.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) was alerted to the incident, near Rigg, at around 8.30am on Thursday.

Experts, members of the local community and emergency services are at the scene to rescue the whale, which is unable to swim freely.

The charity has urged people and boats to stay away from the area during the operation.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) was alerted to the incident, near Rigg, at around 8.30am on Thursday. Google Maps

Isle of Skye salmon farm Organic Sea Harvest confirmed it had suspended operations while its own team worked to free the whale.

In November, the BDMLR disentanglement team freed a humpback that had become stuck in creel ropes in Loch Fyne.

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Humpback whale rescued after becoming tangled in creel lines in November

A statement from BDMLR read: “At around 8.30am this morning, British Divers Marine Life Rescue received a report of an entangled humpback whale off the coast of Skye, Scotland. Current assessment shows the animal is visibly entangled in a rope and unable to swim freely.

“Members of our Large Whale Disentanglement Team have mobilised from across the UK and with the help of the local community and emergency services are now working to free the whale as soon as is safely possible.

“The situation is currently ongoing and we kindly request that members of the public (and those in boats) please do not travel to see the whale whilst access is needed for rescue operations.

“The Large Whale Disentanglement Team is part of British Divers Marine Life Rescue, a nationwide charity that handles the rescues and strandings of marine wildlife including seals, dolphins and whales.

“On November 4, they successfully freed a humpback whale that had become entangled in creel ropes in Loch Fyne.

“If you see a marine animal in distress, injured or stranded onshore please contact BDMLR immediately on their 24hr hotline on 01825 765546.”

Organic Sea Harvest confirmed the whale had come into contact with its site.

A spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government and other relevant agencies were notified immediately, and expert marine mammal divers from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue are on site.

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

“We understand this is a worrying situation, and we want to assure everyone that we are doing everything possible to help the whale.

“Our team is fully focused on securing the best possible outcome. We will continue to provide updates as the rescue operation progresses.”

Humpback whales are found in oceans around the world and can grow up to 17m in length.