Diver rescues orca whale tangled in fishing net

HAHEI, New Zealand -- A diver took video of an injured orca whale caught in a fishing rope off the coast of New Zealand. But that diver didn't just call experts for help, he jumped right in.

Diver Rhys Cochrane came across a killer whale tangled in a net. Luckily, he had a camera on hand to capture the drama. But he quickly realized he was not alone.

"Just before I dove down to cut the line, about five other orcas including one massive bull, came around and that's when I started getting a little bit scared," Cochrane said.

He had reason to be. Orcas may seem friendly, but they are natural predators.

But, Cochrane said the animal seemed to know he was there to help.

"When I went up to him, he didn't seem to mind. He seemed fine,” said Cochrane.

"Yeah, they're really smart animals and yeah they know when you're helping them," said an expert.

An expert who looked at the video says she doesn't think Cochrane was the only one trying to help.

"Looks like other teeth marks from the other orca that probably trying to get the rope off her," she said.

But it took a pair of human hands to set the whale free.

“Once I cut the rope, he quickly swam away," said Cochrane.

Even though they are predators, there is no record of a wild orca attacking a human being.

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