Rescue crews are on standby if a whale seen entangled in ropes and floats off the NSW South Coast is spotted again.
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A NPWS spokesperson said seas were too rough on Wednesday, September 9, to attempt a rescue if the southern right whale was seen, but were keeping an eye on forecasts.
Crews were on standby on Tuesday, but the whale was not seen.
It was last seen on Monday off Tuross Head, south of Batemans Bay.
"NPWS, ORRCA volunteers and Marine Rescue are hoping to re-sight a Southern Right Whale that appears to be entangled with ropes and floats," the spokesperson said.
"The last confirmed sighting of the whale was Monday afternoon off Tuross Head.
"NPWS specialised disentanglement crew were prepared and ready to respond on Tuesday and remain on standby."
In October 2015, a calf was rescued after being entangled for days in ropes off the South Coast, as the picture above shows.
READ MORE: Entangled calf still on the run - 2015
"Unfortunately forecast sea conditions today (Wednesday) are not suitable for large whale disentanglement," the NPWS spokesperson said.
"Large marine mammal rescue is a specialised and often dangerous procedure and the safety of our crew is paramount.
"Southern Right Whales are known to be very protective and therefore dangerous when in distress.
"NPWS is scanning the forecast for the next available opportunity to attempt a rescue, if the whale is re-sighted.
"Anyone who sees an entangled or injured whale should keep a safe distance and report it immediately to NPWS on 13000PARKS or the ORRCA hotline (02) 9415 3333."