News

Actions

Video of shark being dragged behind Florida boat prompts FWC investigation

Posted at 2:31 PM, Jul 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-25 14:37:05-04

TAMPA, Fla. -- Wildlife officials are investigating a viral video showing some fishermen dragging a shark behind a boat at high speed.

The video, getting circulation on social media from an unknown source, shows a speeding powerboat with a shark being dragged behind it on a rope.  The speed of the boat causes the shark's body to flip and twist as it bounces in the boat's wake.

There appear to be at least four people aboard the boat.

It's unclear whether the shark was still alive at the time.

According to Fox 13 Tampa, Florida Fish and Wildlife says they want to know who those men are.

“The FWC has been alerted to a video circulating on multiple social media sites showing a group of individuals traveling at high speed on the water dragging a shark behind the vessel,” FWC Public Information Coordinator Rob Klepper wrote Tuesday.  “The FWC takes this very seriously and is currently investigating this incident. We are also attempting to identify the individuals in the video and where it took place.”

According to the agency, anyone with information is asked to contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 or Tip@MyFWC.com. They say you can remain anonymous.