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Whale Frees Itself From Fishing Net Off Southampton Coast

A humpback whale is now free and roaming the waters off the Long Coast after getting entangled in a fishing net.

A humpback whale.

A humpback whale.

Photo Credit: D. Gordon E. Robertson via Wikimedia Commons

At approximately 1:15 p.m. Monday, July 15, Southampton Town Police Bay Constables responded to a report of a humpback whale entangled in a fishing net approximately one-quarter mile southwest of the TownlineBeach in Sagaponack. 

Bay Constables protected the animal while working with the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, DEC and federal authorities including NOAA and USCG. 

Town Police, using their UAS (Unmanned Aerial System), monitored and videotaped the whale's activity. An inspection of the fishing net revealed the whale apparently freed itself, police said. 

A follow-up investigation is continuing to assure the safety of the whale. 

"We will continue to monitor the area and encourage the public to report any new sightings of this whale immediately by calling the NYS Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829." Southampton Town Police said.

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