Lost Whale Spotted Off Monterey Coast, Rescuers Seek Opportunity

GORDA, Monterey County (CBS / AP) -- A whale that went missing during rescue attempts last week to free it from a large fishing line has been spotted off the coast of Monterey County.

Pacific Marine Rescue Center Kelli Lewis said the gray whale is still towing marker buoys that were attached to a net that is entangled around its head and left pectoral fin.

Lewis said the whale was spotted and reported to the National Marine Fisheries Service, which is unable to immediately attempt to remove the net because of bad weather in the area.

Lewis said the whale is being watched by rescuers for a window of opportunity for rescue.

Rescuers partially disentangled the whale after it was spotted April 17 off the coast of Orange County but couldn't find it again the next day.

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