Humpback whale 'asks' for help from kayakers in Queensland

A video has captured the moment a tour guide jumped into the sea to rescue a whale tangled up in rope in Queensland.

The beautiful gentle giant appeared to ask for help after rolling on its side and showing off the rope.

See also: Fearless diver rescues 45ft whale from fishing net

See also: Rescuers untangle blue whale from fishing ropes in California

Tyron van Santen, who runs Epic Ocean Adventures, was leading a group of 18 tourists on a dolphin and whale spotting tour off Rainbow Beach when they came across the beautiful juvenile whale.

He said the whale kept coming over to the group, and they tried to give it space but it kept coming.

Speaking to news.com.au, he said: "It turned on its side and it was kind of like it was trying to show us something.

"It flipped around and showed us its flipper with a rope around it, so I just sat there and watched it for a couple more minutes and it kept doing it, and I thought, 'I think I'm going to try and help this out'."

He said he wasn't scared, adding: "I didn't feel threatened at all, I was just really amazed by its ability to try and communicate with us.

"I've got so much respect for them too because I know how powerful they are. I wouldn't jump in with any whale but I just felt like this one needed help."

After detangling its flipper, Mr Van Santen said he realised that the rope actually led into the whale's mouth.

Queensland parks and wildlife officers were called and Tyron said he hoped they could track the whale and help it further.