MARATHON, Florida Keys — A rare, critically endangered leatherback sea turtle is safely swimming in the ocean waters off the Florida Keys after specialists from the Keys-based Turtle Hospital and members of the U.S. Coast Guard untangled the massive reptile from offshore lobster trap lines Sunday afternoon.
Recreational boaters alerted the Turtle Hospital after sighting the giant sea turtle in distress about 2 miles offshore Marathon in the Middle Keys.
The turtle’s neck and front right flipper appeared freshly entangled, according to Bette Zirkelbach, manager of the Turtle Hospital, who was among the animal care specialists who helped cut the lines.
They were able to free the reptile, estimated to weigh more than 500 pounds, without harm.
Leatherback sea turtles are typically pelagic and spend the majority of their lives in the middle of the deep open ocean traveling great distances, usually beyond the continental shelf. Sightings close to shore are very rare.
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