Manatee Rescued from Storm Drain Under Brevard County Roadway

MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. – On Monday afternoon, a manatee found itself in distress, trapped within a storm drain in Melbourne Beach. This prompted a swift response from local first responders, as reported by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The situation unfolded at approximately 2103 Neptune Drive, where the presence of the FWC’s Manatee Rescue Unit was noted as they addressed the unusual predicament.

Inquiries made by News 6 to the FWC confirmed that the creature in question was indeed an adult manatee that had somehow ended up in the drain.

Officials from the FWC commented on the condition of the manatee, stating, “The animal appears active at this time, and there are no obvious signs of cold stress. However, its overall health status remains uncertain.”

[BELOW: Hundreds of manatees head to Blue Spring State Park seeking warmth as temperatures drop]

Video from the scene shows first responders surrounding a manhole along the roadway.

The FWC also announced that it is working with federal, state and local partners to evaluate the situation and figure out the safest possible response for both the manatee and first responders.

“Planning is ongoing, and response options are being carefully reviewed,” a release from the FWC reads. “We will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.”

No additional information has been provided at this time.