Firefighters Rescue Manatee Trapped Underground in Florida Storm Drain
What began as a routine training session for Florida first responders turned into a dramatic, heartwarming rescue when a manatee became trapped inside an underground storm drain system in Melbourne Beach.
🌡️ Seeking Warmth, Finding Trouble
The adult male manatee, estimated to weigh several hundred pounds, had apparently entered the underground storm drainage system from the Indian River Lagoon while seeking warmer water during 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. This gentle giant ended up lodged in a baffle box — a storm drain component designed to trap runoff debris — deep beneath Neptune Drive.
🚒 Training Meets Real Crisis
In an incredible stroke of timing, Brevard County Fire Rescue personnel had just wrapped up a large animal rescue training session when they received the call about the trapped manatee. Those freshly practiced skills would prove instrumental in saving the sea cow's life.
Brevard stormwater crews discovered the animal during routine survey work and immediately notified wildlife and rescue officials.
"This is a perfect example of how important continuous training and education opportunities are for Fire Rescue."
— Brevard County Fire Rescue
🤝 An Extraordinary Team Effort
Freeing the large marine mammal required an extraordinary, multi-agency collaboration that included:
- 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
- Jack's Wrecker Service
🎉 Meet "Melby"
Onlookers and residents gathered as crews labored late into the evening, cheering when the massive sea cow — nicknamed "Melby" by locals — was finally extracted from its confined space.
After its ordeal, the manatee appeared alert and moving under its own power. Wildlife officials noted no obvious signs of severe cold stress at the time of rescue, though its overall health would be thoroughly assessed.
🏥 Safe at SeaWorld
Melby was transported to the SeaWorld Orlando Rescue Center for observation, further evaluation, and any necessary rehabilitation. The facility is part of Florida's Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership, a coordinated network that cares for sick and injured manatees before they can be returned to their natural habitat.
📞 How You Can Help
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.
Report distressed manatees: Call FWC Wildlife Alert at 888-404-FWCC (3922)
💚 The Power of Preparation
This rescue serves as a powerful reminder of how preparedness, training, and community collaboration can save lives — even when those lives belong to our ocean neighbors.
The seamless coordination between fire rescue, wildlife experts, veterinarians, and public works crews transformed what could have been a tragedy into a triumph of human compassion and expertise.
Original reporting from Space Coast Daily.