Photos provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources show rescuers off Jekyll Island successfully cutting off 375 feet of heavy fishing rope from a 15-year-old North Atlantic right whale nicknamed Nimbus. The disentanglement took place Jan. 20, 2023.

Rescuers approach Nimbus off the coast of Jekyll. Taken under NOAA permit #24359 Credit: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute
“Nimbus” with rope visible. Taken under NOAA permit #24359 Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission
Rescuers approach “nimbus in an inflatable boat. Taken under NOAA permit #24359 Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission
North Atlantic right whale “Nimbus” entangled in fishing rope off the Georgia coast. Taken under NOAA permit #24359 Credit: Ga DNR
Nimbus before disentanglement. Taken under NOAA permit #24359 Credit: Ga DNR
Nimbus seen dragging fishing rope. Photo taken under NOAA permit Credit: Ga DNR
Rescuers use specialized cutting tools to free “Nimbus” from the fishing line in which he’s entangled. Taken under NOAA permit #24359 Credit: Ga DNR
Rescuers approached the entangled whale “Nimbus” off Jekyll Island Jan. 20,2023. Taken under NOAA permit #24359 Credit: Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission
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