Fishing Guide's 911 Call Saves Entangled Georgia Manatee

A massive manatee and her baby are swimming free in Georgia waters thanks to one fishing guide who knew exactly what to do when he spotted trouble.

Captain Davis Galland received the call on July 29 about an entangled manatee near St. Simons Island. It was the first reported manatee entanglement rescue ever attempted in Georgia waters.

The adult female was wrapped tightly in commercial crab pot lines and buoys. Wildlife biologist Jessica Thompson, who leads Georgia's Marine Mammal Program, knew this would take serious teamwork.

A three-boat rescue team arrived at the Mackay and Hampton rivers ready to act. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and two rescue groups all joined forces.

The rescue wasn't simple. The team wanted to use a specialized net to pull the manatee onto Florida's rescue boat, but her calf and another small manatee stayed too close for safety.

Instead, rescuers worked manually in the water to remove the buoy and lines. The gear had already started cutting into her skin, making every second count.

By early afternoon, the team completely freed her and cut away the anchoring crab trap. A storm rolled in and chased everyone off the water, but the mission was complete.

Before releasing her, rescuers attached a satellite tracking tag to monitor her recovery. Now scientists can follow her journey and ensure she continues thriving.

The Ripple Effect

This rescue shows what happens when expertise crosses state lines. Thompson said the team used skills learned from disentangling dolphins and North Atlantic right whales, applying that knowledge to save a species that migrates through Georgia waters every spring through early fall.

These gentle giants weigh over 1,000 pounds and travel from Florida to the Carolinas to feed on marsh plants and algae. They're federally protected, but often go unnoticed in murky coastal waters.

"Because of this impressive team response, this female manatee and what appeared to be a dependent calf have a chance to thrive and contribute to the wild population for years to come," said Terri Calleson, Florida Manatee Recovery Lead.

Monica Ross from Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute put it perfectly: manatee rescues truly take a village. Each organization brought essential skills, equipment, and knowledge that made the difference between life and death.

The satellite tag means scientists will track this mother's movements, learning more about manatee migration patterns while ensuring she's healing properly. Her story will help protect future manatees traveling through Georgia's coastal waters.