Humpback Whale rescue today

[Lawaia]

Was out looking for some bass early am and spotted a 40 ft Humpback Whale tangled in a large fish net with rope near Manasquan Inlet. We called it in on 16 to the Coast Guard, and then got in position to try and help it. We started cutting lines and net but it was really difficult just by its huge size, the amount of gear it was tangled in, and it was very stressed. At one point we thought it died. We just kept cutting rope after rope and more of the net, and it slowly began to move around and began to let out some pretty big bellows from its blowhole. After about an hour the Coast Guard and a few other boats were surrounding us as we were cutting the last line around its head area and one of the pectoral fins. Finally the lines and net were all cut and the it began to slowly start swimming away, along with taking a few big huge breaths of air. Coast Guard crew blew thier air horn a few times and gave us a cheer. Later this afternoon I got a call from a director at NOAA who was very interested in all the details as well extremely thankful. Very surreal to actually be alongside touching a creature of this size, with its huge eyes looking right at you. There is definitely a higher level of intelligence in these creatures as it almost at the end knew we were trying to help it, and sort of remained calm and still. I was definitely scared but also so excited at the same time. Awesome feeling.

(I have a lot of pics and a small short video clip but am having trouble uploading them)

[Captain Rich]

Very Cool, kudos to you !

[shrimpman steve]

Three cheers to you! Much good karma coming your way

[Joey Dah Fish]

Great job. Thanks for being that kind of person. Very prouda ya

[MVP]

Way to go Sal. That must have been quite the experience. Good Karma will come your way. You will need to fill me in next time we hook up

[NoLimit]

Another reason to stops draggers
Nets for fish farms - not dragging

[njfisherman1975]

Once in a lifetime experience...great job!!!

Incredible story, great job! Too many stories regarding the intelligence levels these mammals possess to think there's not more to it. That whale could have crushed your boat with one swipe of it's tail, don't think for a minute it didn't know you were there to help it out. Sad to see such a majestic creature is still in areas of the world being harvested. Moby Dick had a point! If you can figure out how to load the video that would be great, would love to see it and I'm sure many others would as well!

[NJ Dave]

That's awesome. Great job

[Pennsy Guy]

Great story, good for you. You can expect good things throughout the year-not only on the water, but on the land as well...