An eight-foot-long dugong, also known as a “sea cow” was safely released back into the sea by local fishermen after becoming entangled in a net in southern India’s Tamil Nadu.

The incident took place near Keezathottam village, located along the coastal area in Thanjavur district on November 10.

Visuals showed a group of determined fishermen work together to rescue a young dugong, or “sea cow,” tangled in their fishing net. The dugong, with its gentle eyes and large, rounded body, struggles but stays calm as the fishermen carefully free it from the netting. Under the bright morning sun, their teamwork shines through, and after much effort, they successfully guide the dugong back into the water, watching as it swims gracefully back into the sea.

According to reports the fishermen spotted the entangled dugong a short distance from the Keezathottam coast and quickly alerted officials from the Pattukottai Forest Range. Forest Department officials responded promptly, joining the fishermen in a coordinated effort to free the marine mammal from the net.

After ensuring the dugong was unharmed, the fishermen released it safely back into the sea. The Forest Department lauded the fishermen for their prompt response and conservation efforts, announcing plans to honor and reward them for their contribution to wildlife protection.

The dugong, a herbivorous mammal, is increasingly rare in Indian waters, facing threats from habitat loss and accidental capture. This rescue highlights the importance of community participation in wildlife conservation and the significant role local fishermen play in protecting endangered species.