Experts warn that the entangled 40-foot humpback whale, unable to free itself from a dangerously tight rope, remains unseen for days, suggesting serious distress.
Jessica Rodriguez from Newport Landing describes the situation: "It's stressed and freaked and entangled and doesn't realize we're trying to help." Rescue attempts faced challenges due to the rope's tight grip.
The rescue team found it difficult to assist the whale, with the NOAA attempting cuts near the whale's sensitive eye, raising concerns for its safety.
Wildlife photographer Mark Girardeau highlights the unusual presence of humpbacks off Orange County this year: "I've been working in this area for 10 years and I've never seen this crazy level of humpback whales."
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