The team are following the progress of the freed whale

It had got three creel ropes, including one with a marker buoy, wrapped around its tail. The lines were secured to the seabed, trapping the young mammal.

A team of eight divers on exercise in the area went to its aid.

The freed whale was being shadowed by a navy support vessel to make sure it reaches open water safely.

Fishermen alerted the Coastguard to the distressed animal on Wednesday morning and they contacted members of the Defence Diving School, who were training nearby.

Representatives from British Divers Marine Life Rescue gave advice during the mercy mission in Applecross Bay off the Sound of Raasay.

The whale is clearly tired, but we will be keeping an eye on it while it makes its way out of the sound Lt Richard Watson Navy diver

The whale was freed at 1315 BST.

It had injured its tail trying to break free but the Navy said it was now swimming out of the sound towards open water.

Lt Richard Watson, the officer in charge of the diver training exercise, said the team was delighted to help the whale.

He said: "We are really pleased with the results. The animal was really very distressed, but we were able to dive below it in order to cut the lines.

The whale had become entangled in creel fishing lines

"Our divers are trained to work in the most difficult conditions and we are all now feeling really good that there has been a positive outcome to this incident.

"The whale is clearly tired, but we will be keeping an eye on it while it makes its way out of the sound."

Tony Woodley, of marine life rescue, added: "From the descriptions we have been given I think we can positively identify this animal as a young adult humpback whale.

"The Royal Navy's guys have done a marvellous job and we're very grateful to them for all their work.

"We were able to communicate remotely with the rescue vessel and offered as much assistance as possible. For our part we are delighted that the young whale has been able to swim free."

Humpbacks are known for their complex songs which can last for hours.