Humpback Whale Snarled In 100s Of Feet Of Line Off CA Coast Finally Free

LONG BEACH (CBS/AP) -- California rescuers have managed to free a humpback whale entangled in hundreds of feet of fishing line.

The 35- to 50-foot whale was spotted off the Southern California on Friday, and rescuers were able to cut away about 100 feet of rope and buoys, possibly from a lobster trap.

But the whale then dove and fled. It was spotted off of San Diego on Saturday morning, and a rescue team from Sea World was called out.

the same whale was seen struggling with ropes several days ago off Santa Barbara. It was not clear how long the whale had been entangled.

Rescuers feared the chances of completely freeing the massive animal were slim because of its size and the nature of the entanglement.

The line was coming out both sides of its mouth and passed under the animal's pectoral flippers. A large knot of fishing line was trailing about 10 to 15 feet behind the whale.

Spokeswoman Kelly Terry said in a three-hour operation, the team cut away more than 230 feet of rope. She said the whale still has some line in its mouth, but it didn't appear to be in distress as it swam away south and should be fine.

MORE: Whale Rescue on CBS Los Angeles

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