QBFP Successfully Frees Whale
20 May, 2004

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries officers have successfully freed a large humpback whale caught in a shark net off Currumbin Beach on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

In a joint operation, Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) officers and Seaworld staff worked for about 3.5 hours to free the whale.

DPI&F Shark Control manager Baden Lane said the 11m whale was freed unharmed.

“The net had broken in half and was tangled around the whale’s head as well as its tail and pectoral fins,” he said.

“However, it remained placid throughout the operation and was last seen swimming away with no equipment trailing from it which is a great outcome.”

QBFP officers were notified about 6.40am this morning (May 20) that a whale was trapped in the net.

Mr Lane said members of the QBFP’s Gold-Coast based Marine Mammal Response Team responded immediately to the emergency call.

“Our team members are specially trained and ready to act to deal with emergency situations such as this,” he said.

Mr Lane said team members had just returned from an intensive training course in New South Wales.

“We are constantly updating emergency procedures and equipment and looking at new and better ways we can improve rescue operations to ensure an animal’s safety,” he said.

“As a result, the Queensland team is now regarded as one of the best in the country due to our use of leading edge technology and up-to-the minute rescue techniques.”

Mr Lane said the speed and skill with which the team freed the trapped whale today was testament to their training.

“No one likes to see any animal trapped in a net but if this happens, our team is in the best possible position to help free it,” he said.

Anyone who spots a whale or other marine animal tangled in fishing gear should call the 24-hour Shark Hotline on 1800 806 891.

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001 Ph 07 3239 6380
DPI Call Centre 13 25 23 (weekdays 8 am to 6 pm)

Further information: Baden Lane (07) 3224 2286
Communications Officer: Liz Smith (07) 3224 7757

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