Two humpback whales, one adult, one juvenile, were successfully freed from fishing gear in separate rescue operations off the Eastern Cape.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (25 July 2025) – It was a week of back-to-back bravery for the SA Whale Disentanglement Network (SAWDN), as two humpback whales, one just a juvenile, were successfully freed from entanglement in separate operations near Gqeberha and Cape St Francis.
The first rescue, on Wednesday, saw NSRI St Francis Bay respond to reports from local fishermen of a whale in distress offshore, southwest of the Paradise Beach water tower. Launching the Spirit of St Francis III with SAWDN-trained crew and specialised cutting gear, the team located the entangled adult whale about five nautical miles off the Cape St Francis lighthouse. Estimated at 12 to 15 metres in length and accompanied by a larger whale, the animal was caught in a fishing rope and trailing buoys. After four precise cuts, the team freed the whale, which swam off confidently with its companion. All gear was recovered.
Just three days later, on Saturday morning, a juvenile humpback found itself in trouble between Kini Bay and Bushy Park, west of Gqeberha. Alerted by a local fishing vessel, NSRI Gqeberha launched two rescue craft, Rescue 6 Alpha and Rescue 6 Charlie, with SAWDN-trained crew and cutting tools. Battling heavy swells, the team gently guided the young whale, tangled in three wraps of rope, out of the surf zone before beginning the delicate operation. Within minutes, the lines were cut and the tired but freed whale rejoined a nearby pod offshore.
Both operations were a powerful reminder of the impact of human intervention, both harmful and healing. In each case, the swift response of local fishing communities, the coordination of rescue authorities, and the skill of the NSRI and SAWDN teams ensured safe outcomes.
The SAWDN was established in 2006 in order to manage entangled whales using specialised equipment and trained volunteers. The teams work along the entire South African coastline.
Teams include:
- National Sea Rescue Institute,
- Telkom Maritime Radio Services,
- KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board,
- Department of Environmental Affairs,
- Centre for Sustainable Oceans at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology,
- Cape Nature,
- Mammal Research Institute, South African National Parks,
- South African Police Service,
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,
- Bayworld,
- Various Boat-Based Whale Watching and Shark Cage Diving Operators,
- The Rock Lobster Industry and the Octopus Industry
- and fully supported by the Dolphin Action and Protection Group.
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