Many of us share a deep love and concern for animals. When faced with a difficult situation, some individuals are willing to act first and ask questions later. This was exactly the case for a group of paddle boarders who encountered a distressing sight: a humpback whale caught in a shark net.
Will Wensley, Brenton Owens, Luke Bird, and Jaz Sol were enjoying a peaceful paddleboarding session at sunrise when they noticed the trapped whale. Concerned for the whale’s safety and unable to wait any longer for help to arrive, the group decided to take matters into their own hands.
Initially, they reported the incident to the authorities, but after waiting for an hour with no response, they felt compelled to intervene. Their primary worry was that the whale might be in danger of drowning.
Despite their good intentions and bravery, their actions were deemed illegal by the marine authorities. By intervening, they not only risked their own safety but also the safety of the whale.
Equipped with a knife and their paddleboards, the group carefully worked to free the whale from the entanglement. It was wrapped in two layers of net and was motionless on the surface. However, after cutting the net, they witnessed a remarkable sight—the whale took a deep breath and released a tremendous amount of air. With a sense of relief, they watched as the whale slowly sank beneath the water.
Although the whale was saved and no harm befell anyone involved, the paddle boarders now face hefty fines totaling over $30,000. Their brave and selfless act of rescue inadvertently put them on the wrong side of the law.
According to Owen, one of the paddle boarders, their primary concern was cutting the net that was rubbing against the whale’s eyes. Meanwhile, a marine animal rescue team was on their way, unaware that some compassionate individuals had already taken action.
Humpback whales are massive creatures, weighing several tons, and in distress, they can behave erratically. Expert voices in marine biology caution that attempting rescues in such entanglement situations can be dangerous. The sheer force of a whale’s movement can unintentionally harm or even kill those trying to help.
The fines imposed on the paddle boarders include a penalty of $19,356 for entering the water within 100 meters of the whale. Additionally, coming within 20 meters of a shark net carries its own fine. The maximum penalty they face amounts to $32,260, and unfortunately, there is no lenience for their well-intentioned actions.
The dedication and bravery shown by these paddle boarders deserve admiration, but it serves as a reminder that in our efforts to help animals, we must also consider the rules and regulations that govern their protection.
