Heroic Whale Rescue off Miller’s Point: Mother and Calf Reunited

In a compassionate response to a concerned citizen's report, a juvenile humpback whale found anchored to the sea floor by fishing ropes received a new lease on life thanks to the South African Whale Disentanglement Network (SAWDN) and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Simon's Town. A vigilant whale watcher's report of the distressed whale led to the launch of a complex rescue operation off Miller’s Point.

The NSRI deployed two of their rescue craft, the Donna Nicholas and Jack&Irene, equipped with SAWDN's specialized cutting gear, to confront the harrowing scene under adverse weather conditions, characterized by choppy seas, gusty winds, and rain. Among the responders were 140 skilled volunteers, who are part of a collaboration that has saved many marine lives through approximately 15 annual call-outs.

These disentanglement operations come with a steep price. An operation can cost an estimated R4,500 in fuel – adding up to a significant annual expense dedicated to marine conservation. Despite these costs, the dedication to protect sea life remains unwavering.

Upon reaching the young whale, rescuers found it bound by four wraps of rope around its tail and another around its body. A larger whale, believed to be the mother, and a few other whales stayed in proximity, perhaps providing comfort as the SAWDN team worked diligently to free the juvenile.

The precarious operation escalated when the fishing boat Iingwane from Kalk Bay harbour joined the effort. The Iingwane's crew facilitated the rescue by lifting the fishing line that was anchored to the seabed, allowing rescuers to make three critical cuts to free the whale.

With the ropes finally severed, the juvenile humpback gave what seemed like a display of gratitude, lingering momentarily before rejoining its mother and vanishing into the ocean’s embrace. The recovered fishing ropes bore silent testimony to the triumph of conservation over adversity.

Residents along the South African coast are urged to report any sightings of distressed whales to the NSRI’s Emergency Operations Centre at 087 094 9774, providing hope for these gentle giants of the sea.