Fifteen-year-old Finn Holland, an animal enthusiast from Maces Bay in southern New Brunswick, took swift action when he discovered a shark stranded on the shore near his home. Accompanied by his family, Finn drove to the beach at Maces Bay and saw the injured shark, initially appearing lifeless but showing signs of movement.
Despite the shark’s imposing size of about two meters and weighing approximately 70 kilograms, later identified as a porbeagle shark, Finn decided to intervene. With caution, he grabbed the shark by the tail and guided it back into the water, where it swam away. Finn described the experience as fascinating and stunning.
Jill Holland, Finn’s mother, commended her son’s courageous act, noting that such selfless deeds were characteristic of him. Having lived in the area for over a decade, the Hollands had never encountered sharks before. Shark expert Neil Hammerschlag acknowledged the rarity of such sightings in natural settings, particularly with the porbeagle species not commonly found in shallow waters.
Hammerschlag explained that porbeagles possess unique abilities to regulate their body temperature, enabling them to navigate the colder waters of Atlantic Canada and New England. However, the shark’s presence in shallow waters suggested potential distress, possibly due to illness or previous entanglement in fishing gear. He highlighted the declining population of porbeagles due to overfishing, making encounters like this one increasingly uncommon.
Finn expressed gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support following his heroic act, emphasizing the emotional connection he felt with the rescued shark. Although the porbeagle shark is considered endangered in the Atlantic Ocean, the federal government has not yet classified it as such. Hammerschlag praised Finn’s bravery and emphasized the importance of returning the shark to the water.
Overall, Finn’s rescue mission resonated deeply within his community, showcasing the positive impact of his actions on both wildlife and the local residents.