Ailing manatee rescued by SeaWorld team in waters off Canaveral National Seashore near NSB

Courtesy photo / SeaWorld.

This manatee was rescued Wednesday n the waters of the Canaveral National Seashore suffering from an apparent injury resulting from contact with a boat, SeaWorld officials said.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- An endangered female manatee was rescued Wednesday after she was observed floarting near bthe surface and unable to submerge, officials with SeaWorld Orlando's Animal Rescue Team said.

The animal was rescued from the waters of the National Canaveral Seashore just south of New Smyrna Beach.

A manatee's inability to submerge is indicative of probable chest injuries caused by a boat strike of some kind.

After transport to the Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, veterinarian will examine the sea cow to get a better handle on injuries and begin a regimen of antibiotics.

SeaWorld identifies itself as the global leader in the rescue and rehabilitation of manatees, with the goal of returning healed patients to their natural habitat.