Manatee County's own marine deputies became heroes this past Friday, as they successfully coordinated the rescue of a shark entangled in fishing lines off Manatee Public Beach. Deputies Judy and Hernandez, while on patrol in the swim zones, noticed the struggling animal and quickly reached out to Mote Marine Laboratory for help, as recounted in a social media post by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
The shark was caught in a crab trap buoy line, a dangerous situation that could have been fatal. Deputies stayed with the animal and called Mote Marine Laboratory, whose staff quickly removed “several hooks and pieces of fishing gear,” according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
A shark became entangled in a crab trap buoy line after being hooked by a beach-goer, leaving it trapped and helpless. Deputies on patrol quickly called Mote Marine Laboratory, whose staff removed the fishing gear and freed the shark. “Without their response, it’s likely the shark would not have survived,” the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said, highlighting the importance of law enforcement vigilance and rescue organizations in protecting marine life.
