Trapped Turtle Rescued By Homestead Family & FWC

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KEY LARGO (CBSMiami) – A 300 pound Green sea turtle is expected to make a full recovery after getting caught in a lobster trap with the trap line twisted around its body.

The turtle was found by a Homestead family that had been snorkeling on Molasses Reef off Key Largo.

When the family spotted the distressed turtle, they called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. When FWC officers arrived, they couldn't easily cut the trap line in order to free the turtle. The line had embedded itself in the soft tissue of its front flippers.

With some careful planning and brute strength, two of the snorkelers and the FWC officer pulled the turtle into the FWC patrol boat and managed to safely cut the line.

The turtle is now recovering at the Marathon Turtle Hospital.