Whale Rescue—Farallon Islands

DenaJuly 5, 2011

A friend made this post on Tumblr a couple of weeks ago. It’s been tugging at my heartstrings ever since.

If you read a recent front page story of the San Francisco Chronicle, you would have read about a female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, a line tugging in her mouth. A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farallon Islands (outside the Golden Gate) and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her. When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed them gently around as she was thanking them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives. The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth said her eyes were following him the whole time, and he will never be the same.

Support sustainable, ethical fishing practices! Awareness is critical. When you shop, inquire about sources. Write to the companies that you purchase from. Every single voice matters.

In love & light,
Dena

Comments (4)

  • JR Moreau

    July 10, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    I love this story. Makes me a little choked up too. I’ve always felt connected to the ocean growing up on the East Coast and going to my grandparent’s place in Maine every summer. The fishing stocks are so bad nowadays because of over-fishing and talking to local fishermen, they all bitch and moan about how they’re livings are suffering, but they are not willing to invest in a new approach. I hope we can find a solution before it’s too late.

    1. Dena

      July 12, 2011 at 12:24 pm

      Hey JR! Thanks for stopping by and for sharing in my emotion. I love(d) growing up on the East Coast. My family has spent a week at the Jersey Shore every year since I was born. 🙂

      The changes are terrifying though. I totally agree & hope (against hope?) that we find a solution soon.

  • Suzanne

    July 16, 2011 at 9:21 pm

    What a beautiful story! Brought tears to my eyes. And to think that some countries still allow whaling. All animals deserve respect. They all have a heart and feelings just like we do. I thank those who saved this beautiful gal.

    1. Dena

      July 17, 2011 at 8:28 pm

      Me, too Suzanne. Thanks for stopping by! xo

Leave a Reply to Dena Cancel reply

Prev Post

summertime & the 'livin is easy.

Next Post

Soft. Slow. Surrender.