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Orrca volunteers work to free humpback whale from fishing nets in Sydney Harbour

Aisling BrennanNewsWire
Not Supplied
Camera IconNot Supplied Credit: Supplied

Rescue volunteers are urgently trying to free a whale after it was spotted in distress while entangled by fishing nets in Sydney Harbour.

Orrca volunteers were alerted to the distressing scene after the humpback whale was spotted by a whale watching group about 1.30pm on Thursday.

Supplied Editorial Humpback whale stuck in Sydney Harbour fishing nets A rescue mission
 is underway after a humpback whale became stuck in nets at Sydney Harbour.
 Picture: 9 NEWS
Camera IconThe humpback whale remains stuck in Sydney Harbour after getting tangled in fishing nets. 9 New Credit: Supplied

Efforts to free the whale continue as the mammal remains near Shark Island, off Rose Bay and Watsons Bay.

It’s understood the the net has become stuck on a hook possibly attached to the whale’s pectoral fin.

However, the rescue mission has been suspended due to falling light.

Orrca has been contacted.

It comes as the volunteer group called on residents to help find three separate humpback whales spotted across state entangled in nets.

Orrca is calling for any information about sightings of whales in trouble. Supplied
Camera IconOrrca is calling for any information about sightings of whales in trouble. Supplied Credit: Supplied

The first was spotted travelling north towards Byron Bay dragging a rope.

The second was seen with rope and orange buoys around its head and was possibly travelling north in the direction of the Evans Head area.

The third whale had been observed with rope and five buoys trailing behind it travelling south from Seal Rocks.

“The behaviour of entangled whales can be unpredictable and they can change directions of travel,” Orrca stated on social media.

“As such we are asking for anyone who can get out on headlands between Newcastle and Tweed Heads to please keep a lookout for these whales.”

More to come.

Originally published as Orrca volunteers work to free humpback whale from fishing nets in Sydney Harbour

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