THE humpback whale that was trapped in the Vakamatuku lagoon in Totoya, Lau has finally freed itself.

District representative Semesa Lesi confirmed the whale finally made its way out of the lagoon on New Year’s Day after being trapped for more than 10 weeks.

He said the Roko Sau Josefa Cinavilakeba paid a visit to the lagoon while the whale was still there.

“But after that, the whale managed to find its way out,” Mr Lesi said.

He said the whale performed a few stunts at the opening of the Davetatabu reef before it swam out of the lagoon.

“He did an acrobatic display in front of the Totoya Wharf where the inter-island vessel MV Sanday was berthed and also in front of Tovu Village before making its final journey towards the opening out into the deep dark blue sea.

“So far so good and for more than 10 weeks it has been trapped in the lagoon.”

The whale came with two others measuring 30 feet in length.

Adult humpback whales found in oceans and seas around the world, range in length from 12 to 16 metres and weigh about 36,000kg.

Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society’s Dr Cara Miller, who was on the island late last year, was delighted with the news.

“Wow! That’s great news,” Dr Miller said.

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