With considerable effort, using a boat hook and all his strength, he managed to nudge and pull one end of it towards the side of his small boat. He wanted to see if he could roll it to get a better look.
As he heaved, there was a soft, wet popping sound. The object deflated slightly under the strain, and a thick, reddish-black fluid burst out, splashing across his hands and forearms. The liquid splattered the deck, dripping down the side of the boat in viscous streaks.