A humpback whale entangled in fishing gear has been freed in the Strait of Georgia after a complex, days-long rescue operation off Vancouver Island. The whale, named Artemis, was successfully cut loose from the fishing line and buoys that had wrapped around its body, according to the Department of National Defence, which provided video of the rescue.
Multi-agency rescue effort
The rescue involved teams from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Vancouver Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Society, and the Canadian Coast Guard. They worked together to locate Artemis and carefully remove the entangling gear. The operation took several days due to challenging conditions and the need to ensure the whale's safety.
Details of the entanglement
Artemis was first reported entangled on June 22, 2026, in the Strait of Georgia, a body of water between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia. The fishing gear was wrapped around the whale's tail and body, restricting its movement and ability to feed. Rescuers used specialized cutting tools attached to long poles to slice through the lines without getting too close to the powerful animal.
Successful release
By June 24, the gear was fully removed, and Artemis swam away freely. The Department of National Defence released footage showing the whale diving after being freed. No injuries to the whale were reported, and the gear was recovered for disposal. The rescue was hailed as a success by marine biologists, who noted that entanglement is a leading cause of death for humpback whales in the region.
Broader context
Humpback whale populations off British Columbia have been recovering in recent years, but entanglements in fishing gear remain a significant threat. According to the Vancouver Aquarium, there have been at least 15 reports of entangled whales in B.C. waters so far in 2026. Rescuers urge boaters and fishermen to report any sightings of entangled marine mammals immediately.
