Successful Humpback Whale Rescue!

Whale rescues barely ever have a happy ending - too often, the cause of the stranding is unknown, there is too much damage to the animal's organs, the tides aren't helping with the rescue, or the animal keeps on re-beaching itself.

This one was different. Thanks to local tour operator JP and Jacques from Red Dune Safaris, we were informed early about this stranding about 50km South of Walvis Bay. Together with our colleagues from the Namibian Dolphin Project and other tour operators, we made a plan to drive out with a few strong rescuers and rescue equipment, and then we tried our best to get him back into the water! After more than 4 hours, we were rewarded with the most beautiful sight possible: the whale started thrashing his tail, and a few minutes later, he swam of into the deep ocean.
For Tony, it was the first whale rescue ever, Denzil had already been part of the last (unsuccessful) one. Naude has experienced 10 large whale rescues before, this one was the first successful one. Wally has been part of many of those attempted rescues. He went all in and got himself hurt on his shoulder, but he insists it was all worth it.

This rescue happened on Monday, 14th June - and so far, we have not seen him again, which is a very good sign, and we are hopeful and positive. 🦭

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Please visit our website to find out more about our work and how to support us:

Follow us on social media:

😊 Thank you for every like, share, comment and subscribe 😊

Ocean Conservation International (OCI) is registered as a non-profit organization under chapter 501(c)3. Donations to OCI are tax deductible in the United States. All donations are used to support the seal rescue team from Ocean Conservation Namibia.

[dslyecxi]

Your perseverance and determination continues to be inspiring.

[sunnyoo]

Dude imagine spending hours of pushing and surviving huge splashes to get an humpback whale back to sea. These guys are like real life
Heros.

[theGhostWolfe]

Thank you for putting “successful” in the title, I’m not sure I would have survived this video if I didn’t know it had a happy ending.

[Youtube-Censorship-Police]

if you lose your faith in humanity, this channel is the best cure.
awesome guys, true heroes❤️

[rantallaboutit]

Poor baby. It’s the fact that whales are sentient beings with high emotional intelligence that makes his beaching sad but also his rescue beautiful. He was fully aware of what was going on and it must be amazing to save an animal that actually knows you’re there to help.

[rogerrabbit]

A lot of fishermen like to talk about how big the "one that got away" was.

Now you can talk about the one you helped get away!

Whale of a job, guys!

[lindac]

Hope Wally is feeling ok..not many people can say they've been slapped by a Humpback Whale!! 🙏🌊💙
Edit: Special shout-out to Wally. Even after he was hit in the left forearm by the whale's pectoral fin, you can see him still pushing the whale with his right arm while he holds his left arm against his side. Two weeks later he was still in a sling. Now, THAT is dedication. Thank you, Wally!🐋💙

[ЯнаПобережна-бд]

Люди Ви Найкращі!!! Дякую що врятували кита! Дякую Боже що допоміг їм!!!

[msmargiek]

Okay, I was crying when he started moving his tail and felt the freedom to go. Beautiful.

[The_Pariah]

This seems like one of the best jobs ever.
Imagine your 9-5 job being helping out wildlife all day.

[lisalim]

Thank you for saving The world loves you more than you know!!!!

[xdd]

Why does this bring me to uncontrollable tears when I watch it? Yes it's because the whale was saved but for me it's so much more for the people who unselfishly and without question gave all they had, to help out for 3 hrs and physically push this poor whale back to sea.

My faith in humanity got destroyed years ago, I can never trust people or see the good side in pretty much anyone, but watching all of you who helped this rescue shows me that there are good people in the world and goes a long way to restore my faith in humanity.

That's why I get emotional watching these all about realising what humans can and will do for others, without expecting or wanting reward. That is a wonderful trait to have guys.

I guess for 9 minutes here, I dropped my guard 😔

[lindac]

Lovely to hear your laughter and high spirits after the rescue. Your adrenaline levels must have been off the charts! Beautiful day to rescue a magnificent whale! Great job, guys! Thank you so much! 🌊😍🙏🌍💙

[xino]

The most rewarding and satisfying work a life!

[CISSY]

What an amazing contrast of the ocean and the desert. So fascinating. Great job as always.

[brian]

The Ocean Conservation Namibia guys are absolute rockstars.
Their channel is one of the most underrated on all of Youtube.
Someday these guys are going to get the true acclaim they
deserve.

[BlameGamerOfficial]

Just unbelievable work. You guys are true heroes.

[bh숨결]

One of the best rescues!!! When the whale is safely swimming off into the deep ocean, Naude and Antoine slap high fives and (I think) hug each other. And all the OCN rescuers are happily laughing in the vehicle on their way back through the desert. I feel like I'm watching a beautiful ending of a really great movie.

[papershank]

wonderful job guys! this rescue has made my whole week, whale rescues are so so so hard and i can't believe you managed to save this beautiful animal with manpower alone. be proud!

[lordieshepherd]

The international community is very proud of what you blokes are doing. So good!