8 of the Most Awesome Marine Mammal Rescues Ever

Every year marine mammal rescue centers prepare their emergency teams for various rescue scenarios, often covering hundreds of miles of coastline at a time and rescuing hundreds of thousands of animals. Whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals are just some of the species of marine life these centers are prepared to help.

These teams, along with groups of highly skilled volunteers, address marine mammals that are orphans, stranded, injured/ill or have become entangled in fishing nets and other marine debris (becoming bycatch).

Whenever possible, the animals are assessed by the teams and released back into the wild. For those that are ill or injured, they’re brought back to the centers so that they may be treated and rehabilitated.

The NOAA strongly discourages any individual from approaching to help a marine mammal prior to the arrival of a rescue team. Although the decision to enter into the water or approach these animals is not one to be taken lightly, altruism at times takes precedence. Many who have come in close contact with marine life have described feeling a sense of calm when approaching the animals, as those they understood help was on its way.

We can’t help but be thankful for all the marine mammal heroes that have been in the right place at the right time. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Humpback Whale Shows Appreciation

Michael Fishbach, co-founder of the Great Whale Conservancy, was with his crew in the Sea of Cortez when they came across a humpback whale tangled in a nylon net. Michael entered the water and after an hour of exhausting work cutting the net away the female humpback whale was free.

What happened next, however, was the most spectacular sight. For over an hour the whale breached more than 40 times in what many believe was a sign of gratitude to those that saved her.

2. Beachgoers Help Stranded Dolphins

Beachgoers didn’t waste any time aiding a pod of 30 dolphins back into the water after a strong tide stranded them along the beach of Arraial de Cabo in Brazil. Read the full article here.

3. Stranded Orca in Alaska

Three fishermen in Alaska came to the aid of 16-foot female killer whale stranded on the rocks of the Klakas Inlet. While members of her pod watched, the men used the oars from their boats to help free her. Low tide was no friend to the whale or to the fishermen but after four hours she was finally reunited with the other members of her pod.

4.  Dusky Shark in Need of Help

A group of divers working on a photography project now have the footage of a lifetime after rescuing a dusky shark off the coast of the Bahamas. The 7-foot long shark was first spotted near the dive boat with a deep wound.

Two days later when the shark returned the severity of its wounds were observed: a large rope embedded in its flesh. Three of the expedition leaders worked to remove it and set the shark free. Months later the crew was able to spot the dusky shark and found that the wounds had healed immensely.

5. Northern Right Whale in Trouble

A group of local fisherman decided that freeing this Northern Right Whale as soon as possible was imperative to its well being. Adrian, one of the fishermen on board the charter fishing boat, entered the water and cautiously approached the whale before beginning to cut the rope away and setting the whale free.

6. Rope Embedded in Whale Shark

A group of divers came across a mature whale shark near Socorro Island and found that the shark was in distress due to a large rope embedded so deeply into its flesh barnacles had formed on it. After spotting the whale for a second time, those on board made the decision to act and attempt to remove the rope. Two of the divers on board entered the water and cautiously cut the shark free.

7.  Dolphin Seeks Help of Diver

Keller Laros was diving with friends off the coast of Hawaii when a dolphin swam up and pushed itself into him. See for yourself, but some have suggested the dolphin was attempting to show Keller the fishing line wrapped around its pectoral fin. The dolphin calmly and patiently waited as Keller worked to remove the fishing line from its fin and mouth.

8. Humpback Whale in Monterey Bay

A whale watcher first noticed the distressed whale and notified NOAA. Upon further assessment the team saw that a 300-pound crab trap was weighing down the humpback whale. Thankfully after two long days the team was able to cut the whale free of the ropes before its tail would have been compromised.

Remember if you come across a marine animal in need, it is always best to contact a professional for assistance before taking any action. For a list of marine life rescue hotlines, click here.

Lead image source: Gillfoto/Wikimedia Commons