Rescue Efforts Underway as Deputies Free Tangled Shark Off Manatee Coast
In a heartwarming display of bravery and quick thinking, two deputies with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit rescued a shark tangled in fishing line off the coast of Manatee County. The heroic act not only saved the marine predator but also served as a reminder to fishermen of the importance of handling sharks humanely.
The rescue took place when Deputies Eddie Hernandez and Alan Judy were patrolling the beach line near Manatee Beach. As they approached, Hernandez noticed the shark's dorsal fin above the water's surface. "It was kind of odd," he said. "You don't see it that often."
Their curiosity piqued, the deputies circled back to investigate further. When they returned, they found a 6-to-8 foot sandbar shark stuck in a crab trap with fishing line tangled around its lower jaw. The situation was dire, with the shark struggling to free itself.
Without hesitation, the deputies realized that cutting the shark's lines could be too risky due to its numerous teeth. They quickly called for expert assistance from Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Wildlife officials arrived promptly and worked tirelessly to remove three additional hooks from the shark's body before releasing it back into the water.
The relieved shark swam away, leaving the deputies feeling a sense of satisfaction. "It felt really good to watch the shark swim away," said Judy. "After thinking about it later on, we thought if we weren't there, he probably would have died." Hernandez added that the shark appeared tired, with labored movements, suggesting it had been stuck for an unknown duration.
This harrowing incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of handling sharks with care and respect. Experts stress that fishermen should quickly cut fishing lines as close to the hook as possible when they catch a shark, and never take them out of the water.
In a heartwarming display of bravery and quick thinking, two deputies with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit rescued a shark tangled in fishing line off the coast of Manatee County. The heroic act not only saved the marine predator but also served as a reminder to fishermen of the importance of handling sharks humanely.
The rescue took place when Deputies Eddie Hernandez and Alan Judy were patrolling the beach line near Manatee Beach. As they approached, Hernandez noticed the shark's dorsal fin above the water's surface. "It was kind of odd," he said. "You don't see it that often."
Their curiosity piqued, the deputies circled back to investigate further. When they returned, they found a 6-to-8 foot sandbar shark stuck in a crab trap with fishing line tangled around its lower jaw. The situation was dire, with the shark struggling to free itself.
Without hesitation, the deputies realized that cutting the shark's lines could be too risky due to its numerous teeth. They quickly called for expert assistance from Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Wildlife officials arrived promptly and worked tirelessly to remove three additional hooks from the shark's body before releasing it back into the water.
The relieved shark swam away, leaving the deputies feeling a sense of satisfaction. "It felt really good to watch the shark swim away," said Judy. "After thinking about it later on, we thought if we weren't there, he probably would have died." Hernandez added that the shark appeared tired, with labored movements, suggesting it had been stuck for an unknown duration.
This harrowing incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of handling sharks with care and respect. Experts stress that fishermen should quickly cut fishing lines as close to the hook as possible when they catch a shark, and never take them out of the water.
Oh my gosh I am just soooo excited about this rescue 
! Those deputies are total heroes 
! I mean, can you even imagine being that close to a shark with all those sharp teeth 
? And to think it was stuck in a crab trap and fishing line for who knows how long 
... yikes!
because cutting the lines would've been super risky 
. And now that shark is swimming free 
! It's just amazing to see those deputies work together and save a life 
.
. Like, if you've got one on the line, just cut it loose ASAP 
, right? And don't even think about taking them out of the water 
... poor guys are lucky to have made it back 
! Thanks for sharing this awesome story with me 
!
I'm so stoked about these two deputies doing this amazing rescue! It's wild how one thing can turn into another, like when Eddie noticed that fin above water... who knew it'd lead to such an epic adventure? The fact that they didn't wanna cut the shark's lines 'cause of all those teeth is totally legit. I mean, can you blame 'em?! 
But seriously, their call for expert help and teamwork with Mote Marine Lab really made the difference. It just goes to show how important it is to handle sharks with care... and what a relief that little guy got to swim free again!