A whale entanglement rescue: turning tragedy into triumph
In partnership with the World Cetacean Alliance.
On September 21st, 2023, a distressing scene unfolded in Algoa Bay, South Africa. A humpback whale, exhausted and entangled in fishing gear, was fighting for its life.
Sadly, this isn't an isolated incident. Every year, hundreds of thousands of whales, dolphins and porpoises are trapped in "ghost gear", lost or discarded fishing equipment that drifts through our oceans like a deadly web. Many of these magnificent creatures face slow, agonising deaths as a result. The tragedy of ghost gear is that it's often preventable, yet it continues to claim the lives of countless marine animals.
On that day, it was the keen eyes of the Raggy Charters crew that spotted the entangled whale off the coast near St. Croix Island. The whale, a juvenile humpback, was struggling under the weight of heavy plastic ropes that were cutting into its flesh. Two large orange buoys, a small yellow buoy and a huge amount of 20mm nylon cable were attached to the whale's fluke, the base of the caudal fin. If left in place, this gear would have slowed the whale's movements, prevented it from feeding properly, and ultimately led to a slow, painful death.
The rescue operation, led by the South African Whale Disentanglement Network (SAWDN) and supported by the NSRI, took hours of painstaking effort. A dedicated team of trained specialists worked tirelessly to cut through the thick ropes. The operation was dangerous and complex, involving multiple rescue boats and a coordinated team. But thanks to their skill and perseverance, the whale was finally freed and swam away, shattered but alive.
The ghost gear that ensnared the whale was recovered and, through our collaborative links with the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA), made its way to Waterhaul, where we saw an opportunity to create something unique from this near-tragedy. This rescue inspired us to feature it in our Rescue to Recycle campaign, an initiative that transforms harmful marine debris into products that drive change and support ongoing conservation efforts.
One year later
On the one-year anniversary of the rescue, we launched a series of limited edition products, including:
- Limited edition sunglasses crafted from the very ghost gear that nearly claimed the life of the humpback whale.
- Limited edition t-shirts and eyewear straps to commemorate the rescue.
- Signed copies of the book 'How to Speak Whale: A Voyage into the Future of Animal Communication' by Tom Mustill.
You can also donate directly to the World Cetacean Alliance, and every purchase or donation enters you into a special once-in-a-lifetime prize draw, where you can win the opportunity to officially name the whale.
Limited edition items to help whale conservation
Waterhaul x WCA sunglasses
Our limited-edition sunglasses are more than a fashion statement, they're a symbol of resilience, survival and the fight against ocean pollution. Every pair is 100% crafted from the very ghost gear that nearly claimed the life of the juvenile humpback in Algoa Bay. These sunglasses carry a story of hope and transformation, turning something deadly into something that can make a difference.
Key features
- Frames made from 100% recycled ghost gear recovered from the entangled whale, with no other plastics used.
- Polarised Mineral Glass+ lenses offering the highest optical clarity, scratch resistance and full UV protection, crafted by Barberini, a world leader in optical quality.
- The coordinates of Algoa Bay where the rescue took place are etched onto the inside of each frame.
- A unique unboxing experience with sustainably sourced, UK-made packaging featuring ventral pleats reminiscent of a whale's underbelly and a striking yellow hue inspired by the recovered buoys.
- Classic wayfarer style designed to suit a wide range of face shapes.
- Hand-drawn imagery by artist Rachel Brooks, depicting the rescue, on the booklet, case and packaging.
- A certificate of authenticity featuring the limited edition number, plus a booklet detailing the rescue and its impact.
- £37.50 from every pair goes directly to the WCA and its partners.
View sunglasses Make a donation
Limited edition t-shirt
Our limited-edition t-shirt is a piece of wearable art, designed to keep the story of the whale's rescue alive and raise awareness of the devastating impact of ghost gear. Created in collaboration with Scottish marine wildlife artist Rachel Brooks, this t-shirt is more than just clothing, it's a canvas for a cause.
Key features
- Exclusive design illustrating the rescued whale, capturing its struggle in a powerful visual narrative.
- High-quality material, made from sustainable organic cotton and printed to order with water-based inks, so there's no waste from overstocked designs. At end of life, each product can be sent back and reprocessed into new products.
- 20% from every t-shirt goes directly to the WCA and its partners.
Limited edition eyewear strap
The eyewear strap in our Rescue to Recycle range is a thoughtful addition to the campaign, designed with the same attention to detail and commitment to the cause.
Key features
- A unique yellow colour inspired by the buoy recovered during the whale's rescue.
- Bespoke beading featuring the WCA logo, symbolising our partnership.
- Functional design, adjustable to fit any pair of sunglasses.
- 20% from every strap goes directly to the WCA and its partners.
View eyewear strap Make a donation
Meet our partners
World Cetacean Alliance
The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is the world's largest marine conservation partnership working to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises across the globe. By uniting and empowering organisations, individuals and communities, the WCA supports responsible marine tourism, reduces ship strikes and bycatch, and works to eliminate ghost gear from our oceans. Their mission aligns perfectly with our campaign's goals, and their expertise ensures the funds raised are used effectively to protect marine life.
Entanglement is one of the biggest threats facing whales today, but we can make a difference by working together to ensure the ocean becomes a cleaner, safer place for them. By partnering with Waterhaul, we can turn this dangerous waste into donations that support community conservation globally. We hope that everyone who purchases a pair of these sunglasses will connect with the story of where they came from and follow our rescued whale on their journey around the world.
Sophie Lewis, CEO (interim), World Cetacean Alliance
Raggy Charters
This WCA partner and responsible whale-watching company not only witnessed the entangled humpback but played a crucial role in initiating the rescue. Their vigilance and quick action made the disentanglement possible. Raggy Charters is a permit holder for responsible marine wildlife tours in Algoa Bay, designated a Whale Heritage Area by the WCA in 2021. Their petition to help reduce the threat from existing fishing gear is linked below, and we'd love you to take a second to sign it.
We encounter whales in distress far too often, entangled in discarded nets and even live gear from unsafe fishing practices, struggling to survive. By turning this waste into high-quality products, we're not just cleaning up the mess; we're creating a sustainable way to fund our conservation efforts. It's a cycle of giving back to the ocean, and it's vital for the future of our marine life.
Lloyd Edwards, Owner, Raggy Charters
Tom Mustill
An award-winning filmmaker, environmentalist and ambassador for the World Cetacean Alliance, Tom is known for powerful storytelling that bridges nature and humanity. His work, including the viral short film "The Whale Who Saved Me", has inspired millions and brought critical attention to the plight of marine animals. Tom's support of our Rescue to Recycle campaign is a testament to the impact we can achieve together.
Rescuing ghost nets and turning them into something new isn't just about cleaning our oceans, it's about giving whales a fighting chance to thrive. Every net we remove is one less threat to these magnificent creatures, and every piece we recycle is a step towards a future where they can swim free from harm.
Tom Mustill
Happywhale
This innovative project tracks and identifies whales through citizen science, connecting people with marine life. Happywhale generously offered to let anyone who purchases an item or donates be entered into a special draw to name the whale we rescued. The whale was last spotted in December 2023, three months after its rescue, free of ghost gear. These photos were expertly taken by Dave Hurwitz off Cape Point, and the whale was identified as the same one rescued in September 2023 thanks to the unique pigmentation patterns on its tail fluke.
How you can get involved
Our Rescue to Recycle campaign is more than a fundraiser; it's a call to action.
By supporting this campaign, you're not just buying a product, you're becoming part of a movement. Together, we can reduce the deadly impact of ghost gear on our oceans and ensure future generations inherit a cleaner, healthier planet.
Purchase limited edition items
Every sale of our sunglasses, t-shirts and eyewear straps directly supports the WCA's efforts to rescue and protect marine life.
Sunglasses T-shirt Eyewear strap
Make a donation
If you're not in the market for new sunglasses or a t-shirt, consider making a direct donation to the WCA. Every purchase and donation enters you into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to officially name the whale.
Spread the word
Share our campaign with your friends, family and social networks. Post using #Waterhaul and #RescuetoRecycle.