CORTEZ, Fla. – The U.S. Coast Guard says a severely injured sea turtle is safe after being rescued Sunday by crew members off the coast of Longboat Pass.
A good Samaritan notified authorities of an injured sea turtle with a spear penetrating its shell, and it was unable to dive under the surface because of air leaking into the shell, according to the Coast Guard.
Crew members arrived to help the sea turtle, which was able to be safely recovered without further injury, authorities said.
The turtle was taken to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota Pass, Florida, in stable condition.
The Coast Guard said officials at the aquarium will examine the turtle to determine the extent of its injuries.
--Photos courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard.