ORRCA (Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia )

has issued an urgent alert requesting Kiama and nearby residents to keep a lookout for a large humpback whale trailing a red buoy now estimated to be off the Kiama area.

A local Sydney helicopter operator confirmed the humpback whale's entanglement late yesterday.

 The whale was spotted heading south from Kurnell yesterday, but contact was lost due to worsening conditions overnight.

ORCCA has just updated the Bugle directly that helicopter pilots have described the whale as trailing something red that was highly visible, that the whale had significant entanglement and was following a large ripple and the ripple and the bright object, which might not be a buoy were both easily observed.

 The NPWS Large Whale Disentanglement Team is on standby.

To report sightings contact

ORRCA 24/7 Rescue Hotline (02) 9415 3333

All whales in NSW waters are protected. Approach distances must exceed 100m on the water, by air, and by drones. Head-on approach is prohibited. Jet skis must keep a distance of 300m.