South Africa is looking for a few good divers, who are happy to cut whales free from entangling ropes and gear. Faint of heart need not apply. Here’s how one diver, who freed a humpback whale, describing what’s involved:
“I got hold of the ropes and pulled myself along to about four metres behind the tail and started to cut the ropes. I think he knew I was there because after I cut the first rope, he suddenly increased speed.
My biggest worry was becoming entangled myself and going down with the whale. It was going quite fast, so I had to cling to the ropes as I cut them.
“There is some rope left high up on its tail, but to get that off you would have to get on to the whale and I would not risk that.”
Nice work. Outdoors. In the water. And you’ll feel good when you get home (if you get home)…
“Finally! I sure hope these guys know what they are doing…”
The Earthist Chronicles 