Finn Holland, a 15-year-old animal lover from Maces Bay in southern New Brunswick, sprang into action when he discovered a stranded shark near his home.
Accompanied by his family, he drove down to the beach at Maces Bay where they found the injured shark. Despite initial appearances of being lifeless, subtle movements indicated signs of life.
Holland bravely approached the two-meter, 70-kilogram porbeagle shark and managed to guide it back into the water, where it swam away.
Finn Holland rescued a two-meter, 70-kilogram porbeagle shark that washed up on shore. (Submitted by Jill Holland)
Despite feeling hesitant due to the shark’s size and weight, Holland’s fascination and compassion overcame his initial fears.
Finn’s mother, Jill Holland, expressed pride in her son’s spontaneous act of kindness, highlighting his natural instinct to help without hesitation.
The community, unaware of sharks in the area, was surprised by the rare sighting, according to local residents.
‘Rare’ encounter, expert says
Shark expert Neil Hammerschlag noted the unusual nature of the encounter, emphasizing the rarity of seeing this species in shallow waters without human intervention.
Neil Hammerschlag, director of the Shark Research Foundation and president of Atlantic Shark Expeditions, said the sighting is rare considering the species is not normally found in shallow water. (Submitted by Neil Hammerschlag)
Hammerschlag explained that porbeagles have unique abilities to regulate their body temperature, allowing them to inhabit colder waters, but their presence in shallow waters indicates potential distress.
The declining population of porbeagle sharks due to overfishing adds to the significance of this encounter, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
