PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WVEC) — The Coast Guard released 14 sea turtles about 70 miles southeast of Cape Henry, Virginia on Sunday.
Members of the North Carolina Aquarium worked with crewmembers aboard Cutter Heron to released the rehabilitated sea turtles that were cold-stunned.
The water temperatures dropped significantly causing the turtles to be cold-stunned.
The turtles suffered hypothermia-like symptoms that lowered their heart rate and circulation. They were treated by warming them slowly over the course of a few days.
“The Coast Guard is a humanitarian service,” said Lt. j.g. Jaime Brady, the commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Heron. “Not only do we rescue human lives, it is also our mission to protect the lives of marine animals. It was an honor to be a part of this sea turtle rehabilitation.”
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