The crab fishermen put out a call for help near the Farallon Islands, some 30 miles off San Francisco. Mick Menigoz, a Novato-based fishing boat captain who also runs whale-watching tours, responded by steaming out with six divers and three staff from Sausalito's Marine Mammal Centre.
The team found the whale heavily trussed by at least ten lines, wrapped around its tail, pectoral fins and head, particularly the mouth. Divers working beneath the animal cut loose the cordage so that others, working by snorkel at the surface along with the boat crew, could lift the lines free.
After an hour's labour, the humpback was free to go ambling on its way.
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