A Leap of Gratitude: Joyful Whale Celebrates Freedom After Heroic Fishermen Rescue Its Friend from Entangling Lobster Nets

This whale was literally jumping for joy after a rescue crew saved her friend from drowning.

These extraordinary photos show a humpback whale ‘celebrating’ after another female was cut free from stray ropes attached to old lobster pots.

The incredible moment was captured by Christine Callaghan, 62, a guide with a whale-watching cruiser in the region

The incredible moment was captured by Christine Callaghan, 62, a guide with a whale-watching cruiser in the region

Grommet the humpback whale bursts through the water in celebration after members of the Whale Rescue Team managed to free sidekick Foggy

Grommet the humpback whale bursts through the water in celebration after members of the Whale Rescue Team managed to free sidekick Foggy

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Christine, a whale-watch guide with Pirate’s Cove Whale & Seabird Cruises, had been leading a trip when they received reports of an entangled whale and decided to take a detour.

A humpback whale swims in front of the Whale Rescue Team in the Bay of Fundy, two miles off the coast of Long Island in Nova Scotia

A humpback whale swims in front of the Whale Rescue Team in the Bay of Fundy, two miles off the coast of Long Island in Nova Scotia

The humpback whale known as Grommet (front of pic) waits patiently by the side of Foggy after she became entangled in ropes in the Bay of Fundy

The humpback whale known as Grommet (front of pic) waits patiently by the side of Foggy after she became entangled in ropes in the Bay of Fundy

Foggy was dragging a mass of old lobster traps beneath her, causing her to list to one side with the weight of all the gear.

A member of the Whale Rescue Team prepares to use specialist equipment to disentangle old lobster pot lines from around Foggy

A member of the Whale Rescue Team prepares to use specialist equipment to disentangle old lobster pot lines from around Foggy

Members of Campobello Whale Rescue Team helped the whale, who had rope wrapped around her head and across her blowholes and peduncle

Members of Campobello Whale Rescue Team helped the whale, who had rope wrapped around her head and across her blowholes and peduncle

Foggy was dragging a mass of old lobster traps beneath her, causing her to list to one side with the weight of all the gear

Foggy was dragging a mass of old lobster traps beneath her, causing her to list to one side with the weight of all the gear

The Shearwater crew were able to do an initial survey and radio through details to the Fast Response Craft that was speeding to the scene

The Campobello Whale Rescue Team then used specialist equipment to cut the rope snagging Foggy’s tail, and then the ones around her head.

The crew decided to leave a single strand in her mouth, fearing they would cause excessive bleeding if they dragged it out, and figuring that she would likely be able to rid herself of it.

As Foggy was cut free from stray ropes by whale rescuers, Grommet breached next to the rescuer's boat in an amazing display of thanks

As Foggy was cut free from stray ropes by whale rescuers, Grommet breached next to the rescuer’s boat in an amazing display of thanks

Freedom! Foggy was freed and Grommet, who had remained faithfully by her side, was thrilled

Freedom! Foggy was freed and Grommet, who had remained faithfully by her side, was thrilled