MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – A giant leatherback sea turtle has reclaimed a personal escort in the open ocean after going the wrong direction into boat traffic.
What could have ended in a heartbreaking accident turned into a moving moment of cooperation.
According to Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, leatherback is the world’s largest sea turtle species, with averages over 6 feet and regularly exceeding 1,000 pounds.
When one of these gentle giants wandered into heavy boat traffic in the Jupiter Inner Waterway, authorities had to act quickly to make it okay.
Marines with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office joined the FWC officers to lead Leatherback into the sea and away from danger.
In a Facebook post, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said that Turtle doesn’t seem too worried, and that they’ll even put on the show as onlookers pass by.
“The mission has been achieved – another successful collaboration in marine wildlife conservation,” Post said.
