Humpback whale rescued from Loch Fyne after getting tangled in creel lines

A rescue mission was launched in Loch Fyne after a humpback whale became tangled in creel lines anchored to the seabed.

The whale was spotted in trouble on Sunday night, and concerns were raised the following morning when it appeared to be stuck in one area of the loch.

Worried locals contacted the British Drivers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), reporting that the humpback whale appeared to be caught in anchored creel lines.

Marine Mammal Medics assessed the situation, and specialists from the Large Whale Disentanglement Team were called in to help.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue responded to calls about a humpback whale in trouble in Loch Fyne. BDMLR

Rescue boats were launched at first light on Tuesday, and after the whale was located, a 360-degree camera was used to look at how it was tangled.

It was discovered that it was tangled to the seabed with loose wraps of line around its entire body, two lines wrapped tightly around its head, and one looped and twisted through its mouth.

The lines were successfully cut from the whale, and it quickly swam away.

Team members saw the “exhausted but disentangled” whale a while later free swimming.

A spokesperson for BDLMR said: “We would like to extend our thanks to: our local Medics who monitored the whale; Louisa and Peter Walker of Ard Na Slaite and Thistle guest house; Steve McLaughin for his boat, time and effort to help locate the whale; Ian Arnold of Strachur mooring and pontoons association; Jason Coles, BDMLR Medic with Wreckspeditions Dive Charters for assisting in locating the whale and supporting the team; Inverary boat crew; and Argyll Caravan Park.”