Shark freed after deputies and Mote Marine Laboratory remove tangled fishing gear.

Marine deputies at Manatee Public Beach noticed a shark entangled in a crab-trap buoy line and contacted Mote Marine Laboratory; Mote staff carefully removed hooks and tackle, and the shark swam free.

Marine deputies patrolling the swim zones off Manatee Public Beach in Florida found a shark struggling while entangled in a crab-trap buoy line. The animal appeared lethargic and had multiple hooks and fishing tackle embedded in its body. Deputies stayed near the shark and contacted Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for assistance. Mote staff worked to remove the line and tackle, and the shark was able to swim away after being disentangled. What happened now: - Deputies on patrol observed the shark struggling in a swim zone and remained close while seeking help, per CBS12 and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. - The shark was caught on a crab-trap buoy line and had multiple hooks and pieces of tackle attached. - Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium personnel responded and removed the fishing gear bit by bit. - After disentanglement the shark swam free; officials reported it likely would not have survived much longer without intervention. - Beach officials reminded the public to be cautious when fishing near swim zones and to properly dispose of fishing gear, as reported by CBS12. Summary: The rescue removed ensnaring gear and allowed the shark to leave the area under its own power, a response that officials described as timely and necessary. The incident underscores the risks that discarded fishing tackle and other marine debris pose to wildlife, and officials publicly urged caution and proper disposal of gear near swim areas.