Fraser Island

Overview

When a 35 tonne Humpback Whale was stranded on the spit at the north of Fraser Island in August 1994, a Sea World helicopter carrying a rescue team flew to the area to find the whale high and dry on a sand bank.

Throughout the night and following day, the rescue team, assisted by Boating and Fisheries and Department of Environment and Heritage staff, worked to keep the whale moist and protected from the sun during the countdown to high tide late in the afternoon when the rescue would be attempted.

As high tide approached, Sea World's specially designed sling was put in place and a Boating and Fisheries Patrol boat was able to tow the whale into deeper water where it was able to swim free.