ICYMI: Florida Deputies Rescue Massive 2,200-Pound Ocean Sunfish Stuck Under Concrete
A massive ocean sunfish became trapped under a coastal structure in Florida, sparking a tense rescue by determined deputies. đ #News #PonceInletFL #Florida #Lifestyle
PONCE INLET, FL – A giant ocean sunfish found itself in a tight spot this week, trapped beneath a concrete structure along the coast of Florida, until a dramatic rescue by deputies saved its life.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office captured the intense moment on video as Deputy Urquhart wrestled with the enormous sea creature near Ponce Inlet. The fish had somehow gotten wedged in the shallows beneath a structure extending into the water, leaving it vulnerable and struggling to move.
The Heaviest Bony Fish Meets Trouble Near Shore
The ocean sunfish, known scientifically as Mola mola, holds the title of the worldâs largest bony fish, with adults capable of weighing a staggering 2,200 pounds.
These fish often earn their name by floating lazily at the surface to soak up the sunâs warmth, but this oneâs beachside predicament was anything but relaxing.
“See, he’s paddling with his bottom fin, trying to go forward,” Urquhart observed during the rescue. But each movement only drove the sunfish deeper beneath the concrete barrier, worsening its situation.
The deputy quickly discovered that handling a creature of this size wasnât as simple as he thought.
“It’s also slimier than you would think,” he remarked, shifting his hands for a better grip.
He was surprised to find that parts of the fishâs skin felt “really rough, like sandpaper, like spiky sandpaper.”
A Heavy Struggle with One Slippery Fish
Despite his efforts, Urquhart couldnât easily budge the massive fish.
“This thing’s heavy, bro,” he said while tugging, acknowledging the sunfishâs impressive bulk. Even partially submerged, the fish remained difficult to handle.
Still, Urquhart stayed optimistic.
“This thing’s still breathing. You see how much water he’s pumping through,” he pointed out, noting that the fish was actively using its gills.
Rope Saves the Day
Realizing he needed an extra tool, Urquhart retrieved a rope to give himself some leverage. With a final pull, he managed to free the fish, allowing it to swim away and return to its natural habitat.
“What he was doing here I have no idea,” Urquhart said after the rescue.
“Normally they like to hang out offshore.”
The mystery of how the giant sunfish ended up trapped under the coastal structure may remain unsolved, but thanks to the quick actions of these deputies, the massive creature is doing well back in open waters.
RELATED TOPICS: Animals | Florida | Rescues
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