Dolphin rescued from crab net under Florida pier

July 21 (UPI) -- Authorities and marine rescuers in Florida came to the rescue of a dolphin calf found tangled in a crab trap under a pier.

The Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department said a lifeguard with the department spotted a dolphin circling near a large fishing pier at Clearwater Beach and went in for a closer look.

"When he went out to investigate, he found a young dolphin tangled in the ropes of a crab trap," the department said in a Facebook post. "Lifeguards were able to free the dolphin from the ropes, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium was called to take over the situation."

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium said in a Facebook post that rescuers attempted to reunite the calf with its mother, but the young dolphin swam toward shore once it was released. The calf appeared to be struggling to swim.

"The Southeast Stranding Network and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) directed us to transport the animal to SeaWorld for rehabilitation," the aquarium said.