UK Coastguard responding to a whale caught in fishing gear off Start Bay, Dartmouth

Just before 12pm today, UK Coastguard received a VHF Radio call from a fishing vessel reporting that a humpback whale was entangled in some fishing gear in Start Bay, Dartmouth.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and Dartmouth RNLI inshore lifeboat are currently on scene attempting to assessing the whale's situation.  Dartmouth Coastguard Rescue Team have also been sent to the location.   

The whale, estimated to be around 50ft long, is reportedly still surfacing for air and is currently situated around 1km offshore.

UK Coastguard Duty Controller Angus MacIver said:  ‘We are asking for members of the public to be mindful of their own safety if they’re trying to find a viewing vantage point, so that the emergency services can support the BDMLR in responding to this incident.’

UPDATE 3pm - Two member of the BDMLR team have been out to assess the whale's current condition and have now returned to shore to collect necessary equipment to free the whale.  They will be heading back out with the Dart RNLI shortly.

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