Florida beachgoers rescue hammerhead shark from hooks, fishing line

DESTIN, Fla., July 24 (UPI) -- A video shot at a Florida beach shows beachgoers dragging a distressed hammerhead shark out of the water to free it from hooks and steel line.

The video, shared on YouTube by user 1ArmStarfish, shows the filmer's brother drag the shark into the shallow water by its tail at a Destin, Fla., beach and holding it down with the help of bystanders to remove several deep-sea fishing hooks from its mouth.

The group also removed steel fishing line that was tangled in and around the animal's head.

"My brother, along with help from bystanders worked to get the hooks out and save the dying shark," the video's description reads. "My brother was able to pull the shark into deeper water until it was able to swim away safely in an attempt to avoid further injuring itself or the public."

"All of the distress and yelling heard in the background were caused by a natural fear from certain individuals and lack of understanding the situation as well as the behaviors of hammerhead sharks. Once bystanders realized we were trying to help the shark they quickly did what they could to help," the YouTube user wrote.