Humpback whale gets tangled in rope

OFF THE COAST OF SYDNEY (NBC/RTV) - Wildlife officials in Australia have given up hope on trying to free a young humpback whale tangled in ropes off the coast near Sydney.

Rescue attempts were called off Thursday morning due to safety reasons.

The whale calf was swimming near its mother when a rope became entangled around its tail.

Wildlife rescuers said a third whale joined the group and began showing erratic and defensive behavior making any rescue attempt too dangerous.

There's no word on when rescuers will try to make another attempt.