Humpback whale rescued off Forster after becoming stranded

A nine-metre, 10-tonne humpback whale that became stuck on a sandbar in the Coolongolook River was freed and guided back into deeper water off Forster on April 14 after a multi-agency rescue using heavy-duty slings.

A nine-metre, 10-tonne humpback whale was freed and guided back into the ocean off Forster on April 14 after becoming stranded on a sandbar in the Coolongolook River. The sub-adult entered the river the day before and became stuck in shallow water where it could not return to deeper channels. Humpback whales typically migrate along Australia's east coast between June and November, so this individual appears to have started its movement early. Specialist teams worked together in a coordinated rescue to move the animal back toward open water. Key facts: - The whale is described as a nine-metre, 10-tonne sub-adult that entered the Coolongolook River and became stuck on a sandbar the day before April 14. - The rescue involved the Sea World Foundation, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA), and the Forster Dive Centre. - Teams used heavy-duty slings placed beneath the whale's pectoral fins to tow it off the sandbank and into the main channel. - Video shows the whale being lifted into the main channel, where it was able to swim free. - Sea World Foundation Head of Marine Sciences Wayne Phillips said the whale has some minor skin issues from sun exposure and remains in the Wallis Lake area, and officials are hopeful it will be able to navigate back to the open ocean. Summary: The rescue returned the whale to deeper water and crews reported it was able to swim free in the main channel. Officials noted some minor skin issues and said the animal remains in the Wallis Lake area, with hope it will reach the open ocean; its longer-term status is undetermined at this time.