TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Coast Guard crew was in the right place at the right time to help a sea turtle facing a life-threatening situation on Sunday.
The crew from Coast Guard Station Cortez was heading back to the station when they spotted an entangled sea turtle about a mile offshore between Venice Inlet and Big Sarasota Pass.
The Coast Guard said the large loggerhead sea turtle was in serious distress with a crab pot line wrapped tightly around its neck.
Courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard
“Under the direction of the coxswain, BM1 Phillips, the crew carefully brought the sea turtle alongside the boat, safely untangled the line, and freed it,” the Coast Guard said.
The turtle, which the crew believed to be between 25 and 40 years old, was able to swim away. The crew continued their journey back home.
“Moments like this show the true strength of our total workforce. Whether active duty or reserve, our crew remains ready to protect both the boating public and our native marine life. Please join us in recognizing the crew for a job well done. Bravo Zulu!” the Coast Guard posted on Facebook.
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