Humpback whale freed from fishing rope in Cornwall

The whale was spotted by members of the public on Easter Sunday, who acted quickly to call in help

A humpback whale tangled up in fishing rope has been cut free by lifeboat crews.

The large adult whale, known as Ivy, was spotted offshore in Cornwall on Easter Sunday.

Lifeboat crews successfully cut Ivy free.

The ropes were wrapped between the whale's head and dorsal fin on the animal's back, according to Dan Jarvis, from British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).

A very 'lucky' whale

Mr Jarvis from BDMLR said their specialist team were called to help the trapped whale on Sunday.

Ivy was being "weighed down" by the rope, which was wrapped around its tail.

He said the large animal was "lucky" and that attempts to free an animal of this size could be "incredibly risky".

The whale was "lucky" it was still able to surface to breathe, said Dan Jarvis of BDMLR

Spotting a whale in the UK isn't very common.

Hannah Wilson, co-owner of Marine Discovery in Penzance, said it was "fortunate" the whale was entangled in Mounts Bay which is popular with tourists, as it was quickly seen by members of the public.

"They can get tangled up very easily," she said.

Penlee Lifeboat station confirmed crews "cut the ropes" and with a "thrash of its tail" the whale was freed.