Heroic Rescue: Entangled Whale Freed by Brave Divers Near San Francisco
A remarkable rescue unfolded near the Farallon Islands, just off the coast of San Francisco, when a distressed humpback whale, hopelessly entangled in fishing nets, was spotted by a local fisherman.
Fishing in the waters east of the Farallon Islands, close to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the fisherman noticed the whale struggling against the grip of a dense web of fishing ropes and nets. Recognizing the danger to the animal, he quickly radioed for help.
Within hours, a dedicated rescue team arrived, assessing the grave condition of the whale. Tangled so severely that her movement was restricted, the team determined the only feasible option was to dive directly into the water, using knives to manually cut away the nets—a task that posed considerable risk. One powerful swish of the whale’s tail could injure or even kill the rescuers. Despite the danger, they decided to proceed, knowing it was the whale’s only chance at survival.
Armed with curved knives, the divers spent painstaking hours carefully slicing through the ropes. Bit by bit, they managed to free the whale from her constricting bonds. Once released, the exhausted whale displayed an unexpected and emotional reaction. According to the divers, she began swimming in wide, joyful circles, seeming to express relief and gratitude.
What happened next was even more extraordinary. The whale approached each diver individually, gently nudging and pushing them, as if to convey her thanks. Several members of the rescue team later reflected on the experience, describing it as profoundly moving and unforgettable. One diver, who had freed the rope from the whale’s mouth, noted that her eye remained fixed on him throughout the process, an experience he said would stay with him forever.
This heartwarming rescue serves as a reminder of the deep connection that can exist between humans and wildlife, and the courage of those who go to great lengths to protect vulnerable creatures in the wild.
Photo Credit: Diem Jones
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