Spanish Divers Conduct Heart-Pounding Underwater Rescue of 12-Meter Humpback Whale Trapped in Illegal Drift Net off Mallorca, Balearic Island
Diver Gigi Torras describes Whale Rescue as ‘Best Birthday Present Ever’, Believes the Animal Showed Her Respect
Diver Gigi Torras describes Whale Rescue as ‘Incredible’ and Rare for Balearic Waters; Marine Rescue Center Called After Distressed Whale Spotted by Ship Three Miles off Mallorca
Whale Found Completely Entangled in Crimson Netting, Unable to Open Its Mouth
Divers from Albatros and Skualo Diving Centers Join Rescue Effort, Spent Perilous 45 Minutes in Water Cutting Mesh Netting with Knives After Earlier Attempts from Boat Failed
Gigi Torras, Owner of Albatros Diving Center, Describes Whale’s Initial Nervousness During Rescue, But Believes the Animal Realized They Were There to Help and Began to Relax; Divers Worked from Front of Its Mouth Backward to Remove Netting
Torras Recalls Whale’s Moment of Freedom During Rescue: ‘We Kept Cutting and Cutting and She Kind of Gave a Little Wiggle to Get Herself Out of It
Whale Remained with Divers for a While to Gather Strength, Offered Possible ‘Thank You Sign’ Before Swimming Away
United Nations Outlawed Drift Nets 30 Years Ago Due to Their Harmful Impact on Marine Animals Beyond the Intended Catch