OCEAN CITY, Md. - A loggerhead sea turtle is recovering after being rescued off the coast of Ocean City on Saturday.
Dive team Striker discovered the turtle struggling to swim and dive. It was flailing its flippers and heavily encrusted with barnacles. A boat strike had caused a crack in the turtle’s shell, leaving it in critical condition, according to rescuers.
The rescue effort involved Rick Younger, Mark Holder, TowBoatU.S. Ocean City and the National Aquarium in Baltimore, which is now providing care for the injured animal.
Officials are reminding boaters and beachgoers to stay alert for marine life.
Anyone who encounters a stranded or injured sea turtle or marine mammal is urged to contact the National Aquarium’s 24-hour Stranding Hotline at 410-576-3880.