Goldbelt Transportation Crew Assists in Humpback Whale Rescue Near Sunshine Cove

What began as a routine ferry operation for Goldbelt Transportation turned into a remarkable act of environmental stewardship when crew members aboard the Goldbelt Seawolf spotted a young humpback whale entangled in a gillnet near Sunshine Cove.

While en route to Kensington Mine, deckhand Brianna Pettie observed the whale struggling in the netting of a nearby fishing vessel. Acting quickly, she contacted the Marine Mammal Stranding Network and NOAA’s Protected Resources Division in Juneau, providing real-time updates and photographs to aid the response. Despite continuing their scheduled operations, the Seawolf crew monitored the whale’s location and relayed critical information to the inbound entanglement response team, which included NOAA officials and members of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

Captain Kenneth DiMarzio later praised the team’s efforts. “Brianna knew exactly who to call and what information would be most helpful. Her calm, fast action helped ensure the response team was fully informed before they even arrived on scene.”

Deckhands Adrien Lee and Brianna Pettie, along with Captain DiMarzio, continued to support the rescue effort as the fishing crew worked to free the whale. Once the whale was successfully disentangled and safely swam away, the Seawolf crew retrieved the loose net from the water to prevent further marine hazards.

NOAA and the Sanctuary team expressed their sincere thanks to the Goldbelt Seawolf crew for their collaboration and care.

This incident highlights the deep commitment of Goldbelt Transportation employees to protecting Alaska’s marine environment—and their readiness to act when the unexpected arises.