Young Humpback Whale Saved From Fishing Rope Tangle Off Cape Recife (Again)

Photo Credit: Mike Doherty via Unsplash

Thanks to a group effort and many helping hands, there’s been another successful save at sea!

Gqeberha, South Africa (17 September 2025) – A young humpback whale has been saved and set free after getting tangled up in fishing rope off the coast of Cape Recife. It’s the second whale rescue from the area that we’ve covered this month, the SAWDN and NSRI have had their hands full!

The 8.5 to 9 metre juvenile had become snagged in rope from a local fishing vessel about 18 nautical miles out to sea. Realising the whale was in serious trouble, the skipper and crew tried their best to free it but quickly called for help when it became clear the job needed expert care. So they did the right thing, and made a call.

That’s when two NSRI rescue craft, Rescue 6 Alpha and Eddie Beaumont II, launched with SAWDN volunteers on board, bringing the necessary cutting gear needed for such rescues. Working together with the fishing crew, they managed to cut away the multiple wraps of rope binding the whale’s tail.

After a careful operation, the final strands were freed and recovered. For a while the whale just floated, clearly exhausted from the struggle. Then, with one strong push of its tail, off it swam. A happy sea friend again.

Sadly, stories like this aren’t uncommon. We’ve published several other articles just like this one. Whales often become entangled in ropes, nets or gear that trail from fishing vessels and buoys. Even a single wrap around the tail can cut deep, slow them down, and make their long migrations really dangerous. Left untreated, it can even be fatal.

That’s why SAWDN exists and why we’re so grateful for what they do!

Formed in 2006, the network brings together trained volunteers from the NSRI, conservation bodies, government departments and even members of the fishing industry, all working together to protect whales along our coastline.