Brave fisherman killed by a 70-tonne WHALE moments after rescuing it from fishing gear
Tragic Joe Howlett, 59, died on Monday after he had untangled the animal from fishing equipment
A HERO fisherman was killed by a 70-tonne whale just moments after he helped rescue it.
Tragic Joe Howlett, 59, died on Monday after he had untangled the animal from fishing equipment in the Gulf of St Lawrence off New Brunswick.
The fisherman was on board a Canadian boat when the whale swam away from the rope and "responded in a way that ultimately killed Joe".
Joe co-founded Campobello Whale Rescue Team and had helped save dozens of trapped whales.
He was praised as a "hero" by devastated friends and rescuers following his tragic death.
Jerry Conway, an adviser with the Campobello Whale Rescue Team, told CBC News: "The whale apparently swam away free from the gear and responded in a way that ultimately killed Joe.
"He was a hero - he knew he was putting his life on the line with a 70-tonne whale that is upset… trying to deal with a wild animal.
"He is an integral part of the community, not only as a fisherman but a house painter, and he was quite the entertainment at a house party."
Speaking in 2013, Joe had said his job rescuing whales was "not a scary situation."
A statement from The Canadian Whale Institute read: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of Joe Howlett, a brave friend and hero who lost his life freeing a whale tangled in fishing gear.
"Joe, who co-founded the CWI Campobello Whale Rescue Team in 2002, was committed to saving whales.
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"He was very concerned about the state of the ocean and the potential for entanglement of whales.
""He was also a valued and respected member of his Campobello Island community.
"Our sincere condolences go to his family and friends at this time."
Canadian fisheries minister Dominic LeBlanc said Joe was on a Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) fast response vessel when tragedy struck.
DFO’s Conservation and Protection officers and the Canadian Coast Guard were scrambled to try and save Joe.
Mr LeBlanc added: "Taking part in whale rescue operations requires immense bravery and a passion for the welfare of marine mammals.
"Mr Howlett’s notable experience and contribution to whale rescue include his very recent and critical role in successfully freeing an entangled whale on July 5.
"There are serious risks involved with any disentanglement attempt. Each situation is unique, and entangled whales can be unpredictable.
"We have lost an irreplaceable member of the whale rescue community. His expertise and dedication will be greatly missed."