Couple Rescues Shark Stranded at Pensacola Beach

A shortfin marko shark was stranded on Pensacola beachPhoto byWikimedia

A leisurely anniversary celebration took a thrilling turn for Tina and Josh Fey when they found themselves involved in a daring rescue mission last Thursday.

The couple, visiting Pensacola Beach from Texas, lent a helping hand to a stranded shark, making for an unforgettable experience.

According to Tina Fey, they were enjoying their time on the beach when a friend noticed a shark in the water nearby. The shark appeared to be swimming closer to the shore, catching the attention of beachgoers.

Josh Fey recounted the incident, describing how they were relaxing on the beach, and a friend alerted them to the shark's presence in the water.

They observed the fin a few sandbars away and noticed it making a direct approach towards the shoreline. Initially, they assumed it might be pursuing prey, but to their surprise, it continued until it reached the shore and stranded itself.

We were sitting on the beach just having a good time and my buddy just said, ‘Look out in the water there, man.’ I see that fin and I was like, yeah, it was two or three sandbars away from us. Eventually it just turned to the left and started coming directly beeline toward the shoreline, and I said, ‘That’s a big shark coming in.’ And we thought it was chasing some bait or whatnot, but it came all the way to shoreline and beached itself- Josh Fey.

The stranded shark was identified as a longfin mako shark. Although the couple contacted authorities, they decided to take matters into their own hands when they were told there was nothing immediate that could be done. With the help of other beachgoers, they successfully guided the shark back into the water.

Josh Fey estimated the shark's weight to be between five and 600 pounds, and it took the combined effort of four individuals to return it to the ocean. Despite appearing sick or injured, there were no signs of the shark's demise. Video footage posted by Tina Fey showed the shark swimming away to safety. You can watch it below.

In reflecting on their unexpected adventure, Josh Fey urged others to lend a hand when encountering distressed animals on beaches, emphasizing the importance of helping marine life like sea turtles and sharks in need.

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