I saw a drawing of a whale with a fouled rope, and it made me remember a real-world whale save story I may not have shared. Settle back while I spin a seafaring yarn of critters, danger, and good works.

Many years ago, Capt. Tiffany and I were on charter near the rugged west end of Santa Cruz Island, enjoying a rare (for that area) day of calm winds and blue skies.

Nearshore fishing was good, and our passengers were excitedly reeling in very tasty dinner fish. They had families to feed and fresh fish was their culinary ambition.

We all spun around when we heard a loud WHOOSH sound, two points off the port bow. It was a big California gray whale, cruising through the lush kelp beds off Fraser Point.

We cheered in unison and waved at the gentle giant about a quarter mile away. We kept fishing, and the whale stayed around.

After a while, Capt. Tiffany and I glanced meaningfully at each other because we both recognized something wasn’t right with that gray whale when it began thrashing about more than is normal, and staying in one area. We asked our charter clients to put fishing on hold so we could investigate. They were more than willing.

As we moved slowly toward the agitated animal, I radioed another trusted professional, the most knowledgeable whale expert I personally knew — Capt. Fred Benko (we miss him!), who was several miles away on his whale watch boat, Condor Express.

Capt. Fred came in, surveyed the situation and reported that the whale had a rope wrapped around its body and looped over a fin. The rope was attached to something heavy that was stuck in the kelp, limiting the animal’s maneuverability, and risking severe fatigue.

Here was a situation requiring action. That action could become very dangerous, and the whale’s welfare demanded that experienced professionals handle the task, so Capt. Fred called in professional marine mammal rescuers.

While waiting for them to arrive, both boats stayed near enough to the whale that it knew it wasn’t alone, but far enough off to keep it from growing worried about us.

That critter was quickly tiring because it had to lift a great weight to come repeatedly to the surface to breathe.

The whale rescuers arrived with all the gear and experience needed, went into the water and approached the whale in a respectful manner. The whale seemed to recognize their good intentions and allowed them to come close enough to be in contact.

The rescuers cut the rope, freed the whale and swam off. That big gray moved off a safe distance and celebrated by swimming around the boats a couple of times before continuing on its journey.

I doubt there was a dry eye in any of the boats. I know I was moved to tears.