Entangled Humpback Whale Spotted Off Dana Point

DANA POINT (CBSLA.com) — Passengers and crew aboard two whale-watching boats on Friday spotted a humpback whale tangled in what appeared to be a rope or line near Dana Point Harbor.

Passengers and crew aboard whale-watching boats operated by Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Safari and Dana Wharf Sportfishing spotted the whale close to shore, near Dana Point Harbor. The whale was heading south along the coast in shallow water at 3.5 knots, witnesses said.

The whale was seen on video appearing to be severely entangled, with line wrapped around its head, and what appeared to be a drum or buoy attached to the line.

The whale was spotted too late in the day for a rescue team to attach a tracking buoy or attempt a disentanglement, boat operators said, and a search for the animal was to resume on Saturday.

"My heart breaks for this animal. We will be looking all day for it [Saturday], though it will more likely be between Carlsbad and San Diego Saturday if it keeps moving," Capt. Dave Anderson said.

Anyone who spots the whale was being asked to call 1-877-SOS-WHALe (1-887-767-9425) or call Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Safari at 949-488-2828.