Sperm Whale Swims Up To Diver And 'Asks' To Be Rescued From Fishing Hook

Dec 07, 2021 by apost team

Sperm Whales are one of the most majestic and fascinating creatures on earth. They have the largest brain of any known animal living or extinct, and the brain can weigh up to 17 pounds. These intelligent creatures are deep divers but are sometimes seen at the surface. One world-recognized diver, Hugues Vitry, helped a sperm whale in 2019 that had a fishing hook stuck in its jaw. The whale swam up to Vitry and, in its own way, asked for him to help. 

Vitry studies the population of sperm whales in the Indian Ocean. Sperm whales migrate throughout the year and have a range that can span worldwide. There are whales that return to Vitry’s location every year and one that he has gotten to know for over a decade. Sperm whales are carnivorous and have large teeth. The fishing hook was at the base of one of the whale’s teeth stuck into the jaw. 

Right away, when the whale swam up to Vitry, he knew something was off because the creature had its mouth wide open, but there was no squid around for it to eat. Then he noticed some blood coming from the whale’s mouth. Right away, he took a closer look, and the whale stayed calm the entire time he worked to get the hook out. 

Vitry needed to use great force, and the whale did not move a muscle until it was all over. Vitry patted the animal on its head to reassure it that the hook was out; the whale lingered for a while and seemed to be thanking Vitry for his help by spinning in front of the diver. 

Read on to learn more about this incredible diver and how he has served the community of sperm whales off the coast of Mauritius.

This was not the last time Vitry had to save a sperm whale while diving. In July 2021, a video was posted to Youtube that showed Vitry freeing a sperm whale whose lower jaw had gotten tangled up in ropes and was tied to the ocean floor, forcing its mouth open. 

Realizing that the whale did not have much time left before it needed to surface, Vitry quickly worked at cutting the ropes. The animal was frightened and in obvious pain but let Vitry use a knife to cut away at the ropes and shackles without flinching or attempting to move away. 

After working at the ropes for several minutes, Vitry was able to free the whale, and it swam away after being frightened by a passing boat. There is no way to know how long the whale was stuck that way, and it is fortunate that Vitry was there to save the animal. The diver is heavily involved in conservation efforts and urges others to help the oceans in any way they can. 

Vitry is the vice president of the Marine Megafauna and Conservation Organization and has dedicated his life to helping marine animals. The organization’s web page says, “The aims and objectives of MMCO are the surveys, studies, and protections of large endangered marine creatures. MMCO mainly focuses on Whales, Turtles, and Sharks in Mauritian waters. Its objective is to sensitize fishers, marine operators, and local communities about the importance of protecting and respecting these creatures.”

Vitry has done a great service to whales in his community, and we can all do our part to protect the environment where we live as well.

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What do you think of Vitry’s actions? Do you enjoy scuba diving? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your friends and family.