Crews rush to help entangled blue whale in southern California

DANA POINT, Calif. -- Crews rushed to help a blue whale entangled in fishing gear off of Dana Point in southern California on Monday.

The blue whale, about 70-to-80 foot long, was spotted about six miles to the southwest of Dana Point at about 12:30 p.m.

According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials, the whale was believed to be the same whale spotted on Sunday about 30 miles off the San Diego shoreline.

A zodiac dolphin and whale rescue safari crew were attempting to help the entangled whale.

The NOAA said they believed the whale was entangled in crab trap lines or shrimp gear, and stated it was unusual to have blue whales entangled in fishing equipment since they usually do not come close to the shoreline.

Crews also stated they attempted to attach a telemetry buoy to the whale so it could be tracked overnight, but said it had to be removed.

A blue whale was entangled in fishing gear last fall, and this would be the second one in two years, the NOAA said.

MORE: Entangled humpback whale spotted off Newport Beach

City News Service contributed to this report.