Bladerunner the humpback whale who was badly injured by a boat propeller in 2001 has made an appearance again off Australia's Gold Coast, solving a seven-year mystery.

After being hit, the whale generated huge interest worldwide and at the time there were fears for Bladerunner's long-term health but the Marine Connection is delighted to report that this animal has been seen off the coast on its northward migration.

A spokesperson for the charity reports “ This whale is very lucky to have survived as its injuries at the time were horrific, caused by the rotation of a propeller. Hundreds of whales are injured every year by large vessels, many killed. Bladerunner’s scars are still visible but have healed well.

A record number of humpbacks have been spotted off the Australian coast this year on their annual migration north to their breeding grounds.

They are known to have the longest annual migration of any mammal and at the right times of the year can be easily seen as they travel past.