Buzzards Bay Turtle Disentanglement


A good samaritan boater on Buzzards Bay reported a leatherback sea turtle in distress in the vicinity of Woods Hole. A Massachusetts Environmental Police Officer responded and found a large leatherback turtle, weighing approximately 300-400 pounds, with its fore flipper significantly entangled in rope.
The Officer attempted to disentangle the turtle; however, due to the size of the animal and the level of entanglement, additional assistance was required. Personnel from U.S. Coast Guard Station Woods Hole responded and successfully assisted the Officer in the disentanglement effort. The turtle otherwise appeared uninjured and quickly swam away under its own power.
The Massachusetts Environmental Police would like to thank USCG Station Woods Hole for their quick response and assistance.

Video Credit: USCG Sta Woods Hole