In a heartwarming rescue operation that unfolded near Windmill Point in Lancaster, Virginia, a stranded manatee found itself entangled in a pound net. Thanks to the swift response of the Virginia Marine Police, this aquatic mammal was safely freed from its precarious situation. The incident, which occurred on a sunny August 27th afternoon, drew the attention of vigilant local paddleboarders, who reported the manatee's distress.

Virginia Marine Police Officer Neil Gunter sprang into action, arriving promptly at the scene to assess the situation. Upon arrival, he discovered the trapped manatee navigating the pound net without displaying signs of immediate distress. Recognizing the importance of expert assistance, Officer Gunter reached out to the Virginia Stranding Team, a dedicated group of professionals specializing in marine mammal rescue. Together, they meticulously evaluated the manatee's health and devised a well-thought-out plan for its safe rescue.

Mooring his patrol vessel to the pound net, Officer Gunter patiently observed the manatee, closely monitoring its health and behavior, poised to intervene if its condition took a turn for the worse. In the meantime, he initiated contact with the owner of the pound net to facilitate a coordinated rescue effort.

Remarkably, within just an hour of the initial response, Officer Gunter had successfully located the net's owner and enlisted their assistance in lowering the fishing gear, thus allowing the manatee to regain its freedom. By 2 pm that day, the manatee swam away from the pound net unharmed, showing no signs of injury or distress. It resumed its journey, continuing its course out of the Chesapeake Bay. Reflecting on the unique experience, Officer Gunter remarked, "I was surprised to see a manatee up here. In fact, I didn't believe it when the call came in. But, it was cool to see one in person, and I am glad that I could help in its time of need. It's what we do."

See the original Facebook Post from Virginia Marine Police, here.

While manatee sightings in Virginia are indeed rare, this has been one of multiple manatee sightings in the Lancaster area this year. The rescue and other recent sightings serve as a compelling reminder that these gentle giants do venture into Virginia waters. Manatees typically inhabit warmer, tropical waters, making their way up the Atlantic coast during the summer months. Although it is unusual to encounter them in Virginia, it is not entirely unheard of, especially during their migratory journeys. As manatees make their way northward and southward, they can occasionally find themselves off-course or entangled in fishing gear, underscoring the importance of rapid response and dedicated professionals like Officer Gunter.

This heartwarming rescue story demonstrates the critical role played by organizations like the Virginia Marine Police and the Virginia Stranding Team in protecting our marine wildlife and ensuring that these magnificent creatures can continue their remarkable migratory journeys without harm.