Entangled whale off Wilsons Prom

Last week on our Wilsons Prom Full Day Cruise, our captain and crew sighted an entangled juvenile humpback whale travelling south just off Refuge Cove. The whale had a thick green rope wrapped around it and was moving very slowly. It was only approximately 5-6m in length, and believed to be a calf from last year’s season that has been left by mum.

Our captain kept a safe distance from the distressed whale and took observations of its behaviour and movements so that we could report it, in the hope of getting a rescue team to disentangle it.

The sighting was immediately reported to authorities including DEECA (Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action) and ORRCA (Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans of Australia). A fixed-wing plane was sent out by DEECCA for three days. Trained air observers have scoured the sea from Corner Inlet to Cape Liptrap but unfortunately could not locate the whale.

The whale may continue hugging the coastline as it moves further south. Please keep a lookout if you are on or near the coast.

If you sight this whale, report immediately to the Whale and Dolphin Emergency Hotline 1300 136 017.

Please remember that public in boats must stay at least 200 metres from whales and should not attempt to disentangle for everyone’s safety.

Everyone on board felt the weight of that moment. It was a powerful reminder that something as simple as a lost rope can become a serious threat to widlife such as whales, dolphins, seals, turtles, and seabirds.

Marine debris often washes up on our beaches, and removing it before the next tide can help stop it from drifting back out to sea and harming wildlife.

At Wildlife Coast Cruises, our crew are passionate about raising awareness around wildlife entanglements and supporting local clean-ups. Join us on board or at one of our clean-up events and be part of protecting the incredible marine life of our coast.

Images by crew member Graeme Burgan.