A humpback whale heavily entangled in green rope remains unlocated as it travels north along the New South Wales coast, despite extensive search efforts off the far south coast.
Wildlife rescue group ORRCA says the whale was last seen heading towards the Illawarra, and based on its typical travel speed, it is expected to pass Port Kembla before moving past Bellambi about 2pm and Thirroul around 4pm.
The rope is tightly wrapped around the whale with no buoys or trailing line attached, making it difficult to spot from boats but more visible from the air, particularly by drone.
ORRCA is urging anyone who sights the animal to immediately contact its hotline on (02) 9415 3333 with the time and location. Drone operators are also reminded to comply with legal distance requirements when flying near marine mammals.
