The U.S. Coast Guard's Key West Station successfully rescued a distressed sea turtle on Thursday near Sunset Key, a small private island situated just 500 yards from the Key West coast in the Florida Keys.
The rescue operation, shared by the Coast Guard on social media, was conducted in collaboration with the Marathon Turtle Hospital.
A trio of officers, clad in blue uniforms, took part in the rescue, carefully handling the turtle aboard their patrol vessel before moving it to the dock. From there, the turtle was transported in a vehicle marked with "STA KW" — Station Key West — and the Coast Guard emblem.
The turtle was then taken to the Marathon Turtle Hospital for medical evaluation and rehabilitation. "Safeguarding our waterways means protecting the wildlife that inhabits them," stated the Southeast Coast Guard in their official announcement.
This is not the first time in 2026 that Key West Station has taken action to protect these species.
Last July, the same unit rescued a nearly 300-pound loggerhead turtle that was swimming erratically about seven miles south of Sugarloaf Key. That turtle received fluid therapy, antibiotics, and medical assessments upon arrival at the hospital.
Established in 1986 by Richie Moretti, the Marathon Turtle Hospital is renowned as the world's first state-licensed veterinary hospital exclusively for sea turtles.
Since its inception, the hospital has rehabilitated and released over 3,000 turtles back into the ocean, working closely with the Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The Florida Keys are home to five of the world's seven sea turtle species: loggerhead, green, leatherback, Kemp's ridley, and hawksbill. All are protected under U.S. federal law.
The primary threats they encounter include boat collisions, ingestion of plastic and fishing lines, loss of nesting areas, and the disease known as fibropapillomatosis.
Florida has seen unusually high activity in sea turtle rescues in 2026.
In February, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rescued hundreds of turtles affected by extreme cold in various counties across the state, and in August, Florida recorded some of its worst documented sea turtle tragedies so far this year.
The turtle rescued on Thursday remains under veterinary care in Marathon as specialists assess the extent of its injuries and the time needed for recovery prior to a possible return to the ocean.
FAQs on Sea Turtle Rescues in Florida
What is the role of the Marathon Turtle Hospital in sea turtle rescues?
The Marathon Turtle Hospital, founded in 1986, plays a critical role in the rehabilitation and release of sea turtles. It works closely with organizations like the Coast Guard and NOAA to provide medical care and rehabilitation for injured turtles.
What are the main threats to sea turtles in the Florida Keys?
Sea turtles in the Florida Keys face threats such as boat collisions, ingestion of plastics and fishing lines, habitat loss, and fibropapillomatosis disease. These challenges are significant contributors to their endangered status.
How often does the Coast Guard engage in sea turtle rescues?
The Coast Guard is actively involved in sea turtle rescues, particularly in 2026, which has seen an increase in such activities. Their efforts are crucial in protecting these vulnerable species in collaboration with other wildlife organizations.