Marine biologists help humpback whale in distress

Local marine biologists took on the risky task of trying to save a 25-foot humpback whale in distress.

They were able to free the whale after a dangerous attempt two weeks ago.

The humpback was first spotted off Monterey a few weeks ago with a crab pot rope around its fluke and tail. Though they could not initially free the whale, they were able to put a satellite tracking device on the humpback. That device followed the mammal to the Channel Islands and led up to Wednesday's successful rescue.