Baby Humpback whale stranded on Nuku Namu beach. 14 September 2012. Photo courtesy Matafonua Lodge.

A baby whale that was found stranded on the beach at Nuku Namu Island in Ha'apai on Friday, September 14, was rescued and released into the high tide after an eight-hour effort by the owners and guests at the Matafonua Lodge and local Tongans.

The rescue was captured in an astonishing video, edited by the lodge owner Darren Rice, an underwater photographer.

"We were lucky enough to have three vets and David Blanchard a member of the Sea Shepherd crew with us here at the resort," said Darren, who has published the video and images on the Matafonua Lodge Facebook page.

They spotted the whale on the island opposite the resort when they woke in the morning. "It took eight hours for the high tide to come back so we could refloat the whale," Darren said.

The volunteers including local Tongans helped to keep the whale cool and wet until they were able to lift it on sheets back into the tide at 4:45pm.

"The baby swam away strong and could be heard vocalizing, possibly calling for its mother. It was last seen heading for deep water.

"Many thanks to all that helped. This was a truly amazing experience that will change all our lives. Good luck to the little guy that lay so patiently and waited for the high tide," he said.

This was first time Darren was aware of a stranding in Ha'apai.

Humpback whales come to Tonga from the Antarctic to mate and give birth in Tonga's warm waters where they may be seen during a whale migration season in Tonga that runs from July to October. By September the whales are heading south with their babies.