Whale off our coast tangled in net

We have been notifying customers about this situation for the last couple of days. We hope that the whale is quickly located and proper aid can be given. Contact Captain Dave of Dolphin Safari if you happen to see anything on the water in the days to come. You can call them at (949)488-2828.

Dear Dolphin Safari Friends,

 

If you live in Orange  or San Diego counties we are hoping that you can help us. On Thursday, this small gray whale (about 12 to 20-feet in length) was seen from the Ocean Beach pier heading north. Later that day, about 4 miles away another report come in that a small gray whale approached two surfers (possibly to get help?) and lifted their boards out of the water, rubbing itself against their boards and feet.  The two surfers were thrilled with the close encounter, but noted on Facebook that ‘one bummer was that the whale might be dragging something behind it’.  Other observers have said it has a line near its head and that its only 12 to 15 feet in length.

The whale was seen several times that day, always close to shore and by people on the beach. Because much of the coastline has reefs, rocks, and dense kelp beds, a search by boat will be very problematic.

So we are asking you, our dolphin and whale fans, to keep a sharp eye out for this distressed whale. If you are at the beach, then please look for it.  It may be moving very slowly.  The surfers initially thought it was a rock, and that was from just twenty feet away.

Three disentanglement teams are standing by.  If you see the whale please call the Large Whale Disentanglement Hotline  24/7 at (877) SOS-WHALE (767-9425) or hail the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF CH-16.  We have several trips out today, but as you know, our vessels cannot get that close to shore, so Capt. Dave & I will be out on our inflatable looking. If you see something, you can also call us at 949 488-2828.

We thank you for your help and prayers for this whale.

Warm regards,

Capt. Dave & Gisele