The multi-ton humpback had a large drifting anchor and rope snagged in its mouth and needed help pulling it out.
After some time, the staff of the Directorate of the Maritime Fisheries Service managed to free the whale, before it could swim further unhindered, reports the same Directorate their websites.
There it is claimed that the crew managed to cut the rope that was attached to the sea anchor, then remove the sea anchor itself from the whale’s head and mouth.
The situation occurred during the annual herring influx into the fjords of Troms and Finnmark where the fisheries directorate is on site with two boats to observe and control the fishery.
During the herring rush, large flocks of whales come each fall to graze on herring in competition with fishing boats. A large number of tourists also visit the fishing grounds for whale watching.
– This means that situations quickly arise in which both people and animals can be exposed to dangers, writes the Fisheries Directorate.
They say they have previously rescued several whales that became entangled in fishing gear, stranded in shallow bays or ended up in breeding cages.
A drifting anchor, which has caused complications this time, is used in herring fishing to get the seine out to sea and in the correct formation.
