Artemis the humpback whale swims free after complex rescue off Vancouver Island

Humpback whale freed from fishing gear in Strait of Georgia after days-long rescue. (Department of National Defence)

A humpback whale found heavily entangled in discarded fishing gear off Vancouver Island is swimming free again after a co-ordinated rescue effort involving Canadian military personnel and federal fisheries officials.

The whale, known as Artemis, was first spotted June 11 in the Strait of Georgia by crew members aboard the Canadian Forces auxiliary vessel Stikine. The animal was dragging a large amount of rope, prompting the crew to alert authorities and help monitor its movements.

Over the next several days, Fisheries and Oceans Canada teams worked to assess the situation and carefully remove the gear while the whale remained on the move.

The operation came to a successful conclusion on June 14, when rescuers freed Artemis from the last of the ropes.

While whale entanglements are not uncommon along the B.C. coast, each rescue presents unique challenges for crews working to protect both the animal and responders on the water.

In a statement on social media, the Department of National Defence said the outcome highlights the dangers lost or discarded fishing gear can pose to whales and other ocean wildlife.

“This operation highlights the importance of environmental stewardship, vigilance on the water, and strong partnerships in protecting marine wildlife. Thank you to everyone involved for their dedication and commitment to safeguarding Canada’s marine environment.”