An Allenhurst police officer came to the rescue of a stranded cownose ray struggling in shallow water along the beach.

Officer Mike DeLaura responded after reports of a ray trapped near the shoreline.

Upon arrival, DeLaura identified the animal as a cownose ray, a migratory species commonly seen along the Jersey Shore.

Police contacted experts at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine for guidance.

The center recommended returning the ray to deeper water.

Wearing patrol gloves, DeLaura carefully picked up the animal, carried it into knee-deep surf and released it back into the Atlantic Ocean.

Department officials said the rescue was successful, though the officer reportedly smelled a little fishy for the rest of his shift.

The ray safely swam away.