Crews rescue, release manatee near Courtney Campbell Parkway

TAMPA — Tampa marine and wildlife officials rescued a manatee that was caught in a crab trap line Thursday afternoon just north of the Courtney Campbell Parkway.

Authorities lost track of the manatee when it was first spotted Wednesday. But it was located again Thursday west of the hump in the causeway. About 1:15 p.m., the Tampa Police Department said its marine patrol unit and officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were trying to help the creature.

It was caught about 3 p.m., put on a Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission boat and brought to the Courtney Campbell boat ramp, where officials checked the 350-pound female for injuries. It was estimated to be about 2 years old, officials said.

The crab trap line was tangled on the manatee's left flipper and caused minor abrasions. Officials untangled the line and then took the manatee back into the bay, where it was released at about 3:45 p.m.

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