Humpback whale rescued off Rhode Island

WESTERLY, R.I., Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Officials from Rhode Island's Mystic Aquarium freed a humpback whale from what was believed to be a fishing net Monday.

The 30-foot whale was spotted about a quarter-mile off Weekapaug Beach in Westerly, R.I., Friday, WFSB-TV reported.

Volunteers and state wildlife officials worked through the weekend to free the whale, which may have suffered lacerations near its dorsal fin.

Humpback whales are an endangered species and known to live off the coast of New England.