Lifeboat volunteers have successfully rescued a rare whale trapped in lobster pot lines off the Cornwall coast.
Penzance Marine Discovery spotted the humpback whale in Mounts Bay near Port Newlyn on Sunday morning.
Faced with rough waters, the tour company staff decided to let the passengers off and go back to look after the whales.
However, experts warned them not to attempt a rescue as it would jeopardize their own safety.
Company co-owner Hannah Wilson said the whales were “motionless” in the water and they felt “helpless”.
However, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which has a team in the area, later managed to free the whale from the rope.
“It’s incredible what the people at the helm have achieved because it’s been really tough,” Ms Wilson said.
“There was a steep cut and visibility was very poor and the whale started to move at this point.
“What he did was impressive. They cut the critical rope and the whale left, and that was it.”
The whale slowly swam away accompanied by the lifeboat crew and appeared to be swimming “okay” despite suffering a “serious” gash on its tail, according to the tour company.
Image: PA/Penzance Marine Discovery Center
Image: PA/Penzance Marine Discovery Center
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The animal has been identified as Ivy – a humpback whale seen off the coast of Porthleven over the past four months.
Humpback whales are rarely seen off British coasts. They are mainly found around the Shetland Islands and the Hebrides, but increasingly in the northern North Sea.
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They come to cooler waters to feed on fish and krill before heading to tropical oceans to lay their eggs, so are occasionally spotted on the west coast of the UK during their migration.
According to the Wildlife Trusts, if you spot a humpback whale at sea, you should stay at least 100m away.
“If whales approach you, maintain a constant speed, let them interact on their own terms and move away as they please,” the group said.
“If you spot a stranded whale (dead or alive), please report it to the appropriate authorities.”
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