A CONTROVERSIAL decision in a North Carolina game fishing tournament has resulted in a disqualified boat missing out on a whopping $3.5 million prize.
The 619.4lb blue marlin was attacked by a shark prior to landing and was disqualified on the grounds of “mutilation caused by shark or other marine animal”.
The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament posted a statement on its Facebook page.
“After careful deliberation and discussions between the Big Rocks Rules Committee and Board of Directors with biologists from both NC State CMAST and NC marine Fisheries biologists as well as an IGFA official, it was determined that SENSATION’S 619.4lb blue marlin was disqualified.”
“The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament follows IGFA rules regarding mutilated fish as outlined in Rule #23 in the Big Rock Official Rules. IGFA rules state that the following situation will disqualify a fish: ‘Multination to the fish, prior to landing or boating the catch, caused by sharks, other fish, mammals, or propellers that remove or penetrate the flesh.'”
According to a report in the Island Free Press, Sensation has filed an official protest after the disqualification.
“In addition to formally protesting the results, the Sensation has also retained legal representation to take the dispute to the courts if need be.”
