MIAMI -- The Coast Guard and partner agencies rescued an injured sea turtle Tuesday approximately 2 miles southeast of Plantation Key.
Watchstanders with Coast Guard Station Islamorada received a call at approximately 2 p.m. from the Turtle Hospital reporting an injured sea turtle. The station launched a 24-foot Special Purpose Craft--Shallow Water boatcrew to assist the hospital.
"We completed one of the Coast Guard's missions, protecting living marine resources, by rescuing this injured sea turtle," said Petty Officer 2nd Class John Filippone, a Station Islamorada officer of the day. "We were very fortunate to work alongside local agencies, like Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Turtle Hospital, here in the Florida Keys. They are pivotal in the success of helping us protect the living marine resources in our Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary."
The SPC--SW crew arrived on scene at approximately 2:30 p.m. and transferred the turtle to members of the Turtle Hospital for further care. An FWC boatcrew assisted in the rescue of the turtle.
"We are grateful to all the partner agencies involved in the rescue of Shelmore, a sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle, who was checked into the Turtle Hospital," said Bette Zirkelbach, Turtle Hospital manager. "When Shelmore was brought into the hospital, we did a workup that included a physical examination, blood chemistry and radiographs. Shelmore is looking good in her hospital tank and is in guarded condition."
The Turtle Hospital helps rehabilitate injured sea turtles and return them to their natural habitat.
