July 05, 2012
Rescuers work to free the eight-metre whale caught in shark nets at Main Beach on the Gold Coast. Photo: Seven News
Authorities have freed a young whale from shark nets off the Gold Coast.
Queensland shark control program manager Jeff Krause says the whale is an eight-metre juvenile.
The entanglement off Main Beach was reported by lifeguards and members of the public this morning, he said.
"The whale is relatively calm and can breathe easily," Mr Krause said as authorities attempted to rescue the whale.
Seven News, which had dispatched a helicopter to the site, reported the whale was freed from the nets shortly before 11.30am.
It is the first whale this migration season to be caught in shark nets.
AAP