They Thought Humpback Whale Was Dead Until They Got A Closer Look. Barely Alive, She Was Entangled In Fishing Netting. But After Hours To Free Her, She Returns The Favor In The Most Remarkable Way

cute-whlae-thumb.jpg

It's not every day you come in close contact with a humpback whale. Chances are slim to none that you ever will. But for this group of tourist, they can say they saved the life of one off the coast of Sea of Cortez. On Valentine's day in 2011, they were out sailing when they came upon a young humpback whale that appeared to be dead. They floated next to the whale for several minutes but saw no signs of life until suddenly the whale rose slightly out of the water and forcefully exhaled. 

Micheal, one of the men on the boat decided to go in for a closer look. As he got closer to the whale he could tell she was severely entangled in a gill net used by local fisherman. Michael started to free him but the whale started to freak out. He was only able to free her dorsal fin before he swam back to the boat.

cute-whale.jpg

Back on the boat, they called for help but were told that it would be up to an hour before any rescue help could arrive. The men decided there was no time to waste, they needed to free her immediately. They had one knife on the boat, so they got to work hauling and cutting until they could release her.

After about an hour of exhausting work, she was finally free. The men burst into laughter as they watched the enormous whale swim off and the men were overjoyed at the fact that they just saved the life of a humpback whale. 

cute-whale-jumping.jpg

They named her Valentina and for the next hour, she showed her gratitude and her excitement at being freed. She jumped, and slapped the water with her fin, putting on a show for her new found friends. It was clear, she was overwhelmed with appreciation.

What an incredible experience for everyone on the boat and thanks to their efforts in saving this amazing whale. Watch the video below for yourself. The footage is extraordinary. 

If you loved this story, be sure to share it with your friends on Facebook!

Determined Greyhound Leads Veterinarian On A Two-Mile Journey. When They See The Reason, They Are Left In Tears
/determined_greyhound_leads_rescuers_on_a_two_mile_journey_when_they_see_the_reason_they_are_left_in_tears
This Dog Was Abandoned When Her Owners Moved Out, Now She's A Much Loved Companion
/this_dog_was_abandoned_when_her_owners_moved_out_now_she_s_a_much_loved_companion
Man Spots Strange Thing Wandering In A Park. When He Got Closer He Realized What It Was And Immediately Took Action To Save The Animals Life
/man_spots_strange_thing_wandering_in_a_park_when_he_got_closer_he_realized_what_it_was_and_immediately_took_it_to_a_local_vet
Baby Horse Was Being Swept Away By The Rushing River. But Then The Stallion Sees What's Going On And Steps In To Help
/baby_horse_was_being_swept_away_by_the_rushing_river_but_then_the_stallion_sees_what_s_going_on_at_steps_in_to_help
Holly Was Abandoned On The Street And Terrified Of Everyone. When They Rescued Her, She Wasn't Sure Who To Trust
/holly_was_abandoned_on_the_street_and_terrified_of_everyone_when_they_rescued_her_she_wasn_t_sure_who_to_trust
Enormously Obese Dachshund Weighed In At 38 Pounds. He Gets An Extreme Makeover And The Results Are Astonishing. See What Fat Vincent Looks Like Today
/38_pound_dachshund_gets_an_extreme
I Have Never Seen Anything Like This. Years Later, Swan Remembers The Man Who Saved Him From A Chain Link Fence And Does The Most Remarkable Thing To Show His Gratitude
/years
Seymour Was Running Loose On The Streets, Until One Woman Saw His Plight And Decided To Save Him
/seymour_was_running_loose_on_the_streets_until_one_woman_saw_his_plight_and_decided_to_save_him
Because Of A Foot Injury, Molly The Pony Had To Have Her Foot Amputated. Vets Wanted To Euthanize Her But Her Owner Knew She Had A Greater Purpose In Life
/pony_stuck_was_stuck_in_her_barn_when_she_was_found_after_hurricane_katrina_hit_doctors_had_slim_to_none_chance_at_survival_but_her_owners_knew_she_had_more_life_to_live
They Thought Humpback Whale Was Dead Until They Got A Closer Look. Barely Alive, She Was Entangled In Fishing Netting. But After Hours To Free Her, She Returns The Favor In The Most Remarkable Way
/they_thought_humpback_whale_was_dead_until_they_got_a_closer_look_barely_alive_she_was_entangled_in_fishing_netting_but_after_hours_to_free_her_she_returns_the_favor_in_the_most_remarkable_way