Giant Manta Ray Catch Gains Worldwide Attention
A 5000 pound Manta Ray was caught off the coast of Atlantic City around this date 87 years ago. The massive Devilfish Ray became entangled in an anchor line, nearly capsizing a relatively boat with four men aboard. A Coast Guard was called and a vessel came to the rescue. It was shot 22 times from a high powered rifle, dragged ashore and exhibited by boat captain A.L. Kahn. Newspapers around the world reported on the accidental catch.
As news of Kahn’s catch started to spread, crowds began lining up to get a glimpse of the enormous creature. Kahn charged 10 cents per head to view the manta ray and raised enough money in the first few days to buy the local fire department a new $3,000 fire truck. The devil fish was then sent to a taxidermist so that it could be preserved for exhibition at various events.
