Crews are searching for a “severely entangled” humpback whale heading south toward San Diego in hopes of freeing it from a line and buoy wrapped around its head.
The whale was first observed late Friday near Dana Point by a Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari and Dana Wharf Sportfishing whale watching boat.
By the time it was spotted, rescue team members from Dolphin Safari Whale Rescue or NOAA said it was too late to attempt to attach a tracking buoy or attempt to free it.
The whale was seen in shallow water at 100 degrees at 3.5 knots with a line wrapped around its head and what appears to be a large drum or buoy attached on the top. Crews said the whale was heading south.
"My heart breaks for this animal,” Capt. Dave said in a statement. “We will be looking all day for it tomorrow (Saturday), though it will more likely be between Carlsbad and San Diego Saturday if it keeps moving. Capt. Tom Southern did a great job positioning our whale watching boat for this video."
As of 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Capt. Dave said his crew had not spotted the whale, but asked the public to keep an eye out.
Authorities are looking for the public’s help in finding the whale. If you spot the whale, officials ask that you do not approach the animal and do not make an attempt to remove any of the line. Call 1-877-SOS-WHALE (1-887-767-9425) or call Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Safari at (949) 488-2828.
Local
Craig DeWitt, one of the boat's crew members, captured the video of the whale.
