Categories: Sea Turtle
Florida Surfer Saves Drowning Sea Turtle (VIDEO)
COCOA BEACH, Florida — A surfer came to the rescue of a loggerhead sea turtle that was tangled in fishing lines just south of the Cocoa Beach Pier this afternoon.
The turtle’s flippers were so entangled that it could be seen gasping for air from the ocean’s surface as it struggled to free itself from the mono-filament.
Seeing the marine reptile in distress, a nearby surfer paddled over to help the sea turtle while risking a possible bite from the animal. Loggerhead sea turtles have a bite force so powerful that they can easily tear through a conch shell – a mainstay of the turtle’s diet.
After a few minutes, the surfer had completely untangled the sea turtle and it swam away. Having done his good deed for the day, the surfer then just casually caught the next incoming wave.
Loggerhead sea turtles are listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.
Editor’s Note: There have been some comments made regarding the surfer dropping the line back into the ocean. While it may not show up well on the YouTube version, the higher-definition version of this video clearly shows that there is downward tension on fishing line, away from the turtle, indicating that the line is tethered to the sea floor. The thickness of the line appears to be somewhere between 20 lb. and 40 lb. test, which is not easily broken by bare, wet hands.
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One of the best stories I've read this year. Way to go surfer ! It's good to see some good in the news.
Bless your Heart Surfer! May you have good luck to you an your family. You did something so fantastic!:)
oh come on now!!! all of you would have done the same thing,save the turtle,i have savede many and pelicans too, in the indian river and ocean at pier,i'm sure the surfer only thought of doing what he believed was right and ooops I should have kept the fishing line which probably washed up on the beach,keep saving the turtles!!! how about the fisherman who put it there in the first place? not surfers fault,enjoy the beach,clean up the trash and put it in the cans,mono in receptacle,thanx everyone!!!!
Editor's Note: There have been some comments made regarding the surfer dropping the line back into the ocean. While it may not show up well on the YouTube version, the higher-definition version of this video clearly shows that there is downward tension on fishing line, away from the turtle, indicating that the line is tethered to the sea floor. The thickness of the line appears to be somewhere between 20 lb. and 40 lb. test, which is not easily broken by bare, wet hands.
Wonderful gesture, no doubt...but was MAJORLY disappointed to see that, having untangled the turtle, the surfer just dropped the fishing line back in to the ocean....ready for the next unsuspecting sea-creature to get tangled in! Totally misses the point...!
We can all learn from you about compassion towards our animal friends. Thank you for this wonderful deed.
MY HERO!!! SO GLAD HE WAS THERE TO HELP!!
Fantastic rescue!!!!! Blessings to the surfer!!!!! An awesome act of kindness!!!! You should have posted his name, with the story. Loved the grace in which.... he caught the wave and surfed back to shore. He is one in a million!
Did you hear the guy(s) videotaping say 'let it die' and 'it would make good soup'? the surfer was definitely in the right place at the right time. thank you.
What a great guy! Thank you for helping the turtle!