Brevard Firefighters, Wildlife Officials Save Manatee Trapped Underground in Melbourne Beach

Brevard Fire rescue crews, veterinarians and wildlife officers unite to save trapped manatee

MELBOURNE BEACH, FLORIDA — What began as a routine training session for first responders turned into a dramatic and heartwarming rescue on Monday in Brevard County, underscoring the critical role of ongoing education in emergency response.

Fire Rescue personnel from Brevard County had just wrapped up a large animal rescue training — honing skills for handling non-traditional emergency situations — when crews were called to assist with an unexpected real-world crisis: a manatee trapped inside a local storm drain system.

The adult male manatee, estimated to be several feet long and weighing hundreds of pounds, had apparently entered the underground storm drainage system from the Indian River Lagoon while seeking warmer water amid a recent cold snap.

Marine mammals such as manatees are particularly vulnerable to sudden temperature drops, which can cause them to seek refuge in unusual places — sometimes with perilous results.

Brevard stormwater crews discovered the animal during routine survey work on Neptune Drive, after which wildlife and rescue officials were notified. The manatee was found lodged in a baffle box — a storm drain component designed to trap runoff debris — deep beneath the road surface.

Freeing the large marine mammal required an extraordinary, multi-agency effort that drew on recently practiced skills and specialized expertise.

The response included the Brevard County Fire Rescue Stations 48 and 64, Indialantic Fire Rescue, Melbourne Beach Fire Department, University of Florida’s Veterinary Emergency Treatment Services, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Brevard County Public Works, and Jack’s Wrecker Service.

This adult male manatee, estimated to be several feet long and weighing hundreds of pounds, had apparently entered the underground storm drainage system from the Indian River Lagoon while seeking warmer water amid a recent cold snap. (BCFR image)

Fire officials later said the timing of the call—immediately after a large-animal rescue training session—was instrumental to the successful outcome.

“This is a perfect example of how important continuous training and education opportunities are for Fire Rescue,” agency leaders noted.

Onlookers and residents gathered as crews labored late into the evening, cheering when the massive sea cow was finally extracted from its confined space. Local officials and volunteers alike praised the collaboration among fire rescue, wildlife experts, and public works crews.

After its ordeal, the manatee — referred to informally by locals as “Melby” — appeared alert and moving under its own power when pulled from the drain. Wildlife officials noted no obvious signs of severe cold stress at the time of rescue, though its overall health would be further assessed by veterinarians.

The sea cow was transported to the SeaWorld Orlando Rescue Center for observation, further evaluation, and any necessary rehabilitation. The SeaWorld facility is part of the state’s Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership, a coordinated network that cares for sick and injured manatees before they can be returned to their natural habitat.

Officials encourage residents who observe distressed or trapped manatees to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission immediately — early intervention can be lifesaving for these gentle giants.

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