Russian environmentalists free entangled humpback whale in Barents Sea

Environmentalists in Russia have freed a humpback whale, a species endangered, from a rope entanglement in the Barents Sea. The successful rescue operation, described as "ideal work" by a marine mammal specialist, occurred despite challenging weather including rain, strong winds, and high waves.

Anastasía Kunitsa, a researcher at the Murmansk Arctic University, confirmed the whale's release. The operation received approval from Russia's nature protection agency, Rosprirodnadzor, which dispatched specialists to minimize stress on the animal. The whale, affectionately nicknamed Piotr by the environmentalists, had been observed near Teriberka since June 5 with the rope constricting its pectoral fins, hindering its movement.

Local governor Andréi Chibis reported that specialists are continuing to monitor the whale's condition following its liberation. He expressed gratitude to all involved in the rescue, noting that scientists remain nearby to observe the animal's well-being and reactions to the changes, even as the weather deteriorates.

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Boys! We did it! We untangled it! From the first try! It was ideal work!