Earlier this month, Captain Tom Mattmuller of Sea Tow Venice in Florida was patrolling the waters of Lyons Bay when an unusual sight caught his eye.

High above, dangling from the branch of a mangrove tree, Mattmuller spotted a dark figure who appeared to be trapped. He then moved in for a closer look.

“I noticed a cormorant bird flapping its wings, hanging from a limb in the mangroves,” Mattmuller told The Dodo. “I could see what appeared to be fishing line tangled around its beak and the branch.”

Knowing he could not help the bird on his own, Mattmuller sought assistance from local law enforcement.

The bird’s dire situation wouldn’t be ignored.

With the arrival of Venice Police Marine Officer Woodworth and Sarasota County Deputy Sheriff Watson, Mattmuller moved his boat below the tree.

Using an extended boat hook, the first responders managed to lower the branch and disentangle the bird.

Afterward, the rescued cormorant was handed to a volunteer from a local wildlife rescue.

That day, a life was saved.

“The bird is perfectly fine and expected to make a full recovery,” Mattmuller said.

“All of us at Sea Tow Venice grew up with a deep appreciation for our local marine wildlife. We are fortunate to witness its beauty daily while working on the water,” Mattmuller said. “With that, there are times when we find animals in distress, so we take pride in always going above and beyond to help them get the assistance they need.”