Shark rescued after getting tangled in crab trap buoy line near beach in Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. —

Quick actions from crews along the waters of Manatee Public Beach on Friday likely saved the life of a shark that got entangled with a crab trap buoy line.

Manatee County marine deputies were patrolling the swim zones when they noticed the shark in distress. The deputies stayed near the shark and contacted the Mote Marine Laboratory for help.

The Manatee County Sheriff's office said Mote's staff was able to free the shark after safely removing several hooks and pieces of fishing gear.

Deputies believe the shark might've been hooked by someone fishing from the beach and became tangled after wrapping the fishing line around the crab trap buoy line. According to MCSO, the fishing line may have broken off between the trap and the angler, which left the shark unable to swim free.

The sheriff's office said that without the response from Mote Marine and deputies, the shark likely would not have survived.

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