Rescuers Free Entangled Leatherback Sea Turtle

A leatherback sea turtle was found tangled up in fishing line in Gardiner's Bay on the Fourth of July and freed thanks to marine rescuers.

The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation disentangled the endangered species after "Madeleine," a vessel out of Quonset, RI, found it 1.8 miles west of the western tip of Gardiner's Island at about 5:45 p.m.

The boater notified Coast Guard Station Montauk, which contacted the Riverhead Foundation, they said in a statement on Friday.

With the help of the Coast Guard, Kimberly Durham, the rescue program director, along with Julika Wocial, the rescue program supervisor, disentangled the sea turtle, which was at least four feet long and weighed approximately 600 pounds. It swam away, free of fishing gear, at about 8:10 p.m.

“This operation was a success thanks to the concerned members of the public who reported the animal and then went back to relocate it, and to the quick response and invaluable resources of the USCG Station Montauk," Wocial said.

Durham said it serves as a reminder to the public. “This is just the beginning of the sea turtle season. I encourage the public to report any sightings to our 24-hour hotline number 631-369-9829," she said.

Last July, Coast Guard seamen freed a sea turtle that was approximately 6 1/2 feet long and 4 feet wide. It's neck and front fins were wrapped in line and two buoys attached to a lobster trap.