Humpback whale tangled in rope off the coast of Broome

A distressing incident unfolded over the weekend as a humpback whale was found ensnared in a rope off the coast of Broome, prompting a dedicated rescue operation to free the marine mammal. The heart-wrenching scene was initially noticed by beachgoers on Saturday, July 15, during the afternoon hours near Gantheaume Point. After realising the dire situation the whale was facing, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions swiftly dispatched a specialised team to the location. Despite the team’s efforts, they were unable to untangle the whale before nightfall, suspending the search until the following day. A DCBA spokesperson confirmed teams from the department were continuing to try to find and disentangle the whale. “We don’t have anything further to update at this stage as crews are still working to locate the whale and attempt a disentanglement,” they said. “We will be sure to let you know once there’s anything to update.” When asked about the situation on July 21 at a press conference, Environment Minister Reece Whitby said the work of those trying to free the whale was commendable. “I do want to say great big thank you to parks and wildlife DBCA, DPIRD and Willie Creek Pearls who had a role in the recovery of a humpback whale,” he said. “Its remarkable when people go out to the ocean and it’s a real demonstration of humanity trying to save the humpback whale.” The incident comes amid concerns raised by the DCBA in a report last year, which highlighted an increase in whales becoming entangled and tethered to the sea floor. Broome is renowned worldwide as a premier tourist destination to witness humpback whales up close, boasting the largest population of the creatures anywhere in the world. Each year, humpback whales embark on a migration from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic, along WA’s north coast, to the Kimberley region, where they mate and calf during the winter months.