MELBOURNE BEACH — Firefighters and wildlife experts in Brevard County rescued a manatee trapped in a storm drain on Monday after the animal apparently sought refuge from recent cold temperatures.
The adult male manatee, named “Melby” by rescuers, was discovered stuck in an underground drainage system near Neptune Drive in Melbourne Beach. Authorities believe the sea cow entered the drain from the Indian River Lagoon during a cold snap and became lodged in a baffle box designed to filter stormwater.
The rescue operation began around 5:00 p.m. and lasted several hours, involving multiple agencies. Brevard County Fire Rescue stations 48 and 64, along with Indialantic Fire Rescue, Melbourne Beach Fire Department, the University of Florida’s Veterinary Emergency Treatment Services, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), local public works crews, and Jack’s Wrecker Service, responded to assist.
Crews drilled into the roadway to enlarge the opening, then used heavy equipment, including an excavator and tow truck, to hoist the manatee out in a sling.
The animal appeared active and showed no immediate signs of cold stress, but its overall health was unclear, according to FWC.
The timing was impeccable, as Brevard County firefighters and University of Florida instructors had just completed a large-animal rescue training session when the call came in, allowing them to apply their new skills to the real-life emergency.
The manatee was transported to SeaWorld Orlando’s rescue center for evaluation and rehabilitation. SeaWorld confirmed Tuesday that the animal had been admitted and was under observation.