Condor Express crew frees entangled dolphin

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The crew of the Condor Express rescued an entangled dolphin while returning from a whale watching trip to Santa Cruz Island.

On Saturday, with a boat full of passengers, the dolphin was spotted in the ocean, "like a needle in a haystack," entangled in some sort of towing line that was caught in its mouth and trailing a long distance behind the animal.

Captain David Beezer turned the boat around, and his crew sprung into action using a hook to free the dolphin.

Beezer and his crew, licensed by NOAA, have been involved in several animal rescues over the years, including whale rescues. Beezer said they are ready and willing to help whenever an animal is in need.

The Condor Express does year-round whale watching tours. This winter grey whales will travel through the Santa Barbara Channel as they head south to Mexico.