Marine Deputies and Mote Marine Team Rescue Entangled Shark at Manatee Public Beach
Marine deputies patrolling the swim zones at Manatee Public Beach on Friday, Jan. 9, successfully rescued a shark that had become entangled in fishing gear, preventing what officials say could have been a fatal outcome.
While on routine patrol, Marine Deputies Judy and Hernandez observed the shark struggling in the water after becoming tangled in a crab trap buoy line. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the deputies remained near the animal to monitor its condition and immediately contacted marine experts for assistance.
Staff from Mote Marine Laboratory responded quickly to the scene. Upon arrival, the team carefully removed multiple hooks and pieces of fishing gear from the shark, freeing it safely from the entanglement and returning it to open water.
Officials believe the shark was initially hooked by someone fishing from the beach and later became trapped after the fishing line wrapped around a crab trap buoy line. The line likely broke between the angler and the trap, leaving the shark unable to swim free on its own.
Authorities credited the quick response and vigilance of Deputies Judy and Hernandez, along with the expertise of the Mote Marine team, for the successful rescue. Without their coordinated efforts, the shark likely would not have survived. The incident also serves as a reminder of the impact discarded or broken fishing gear can have on marine wildlife.
