ATLANTIC BEACH, N.C. — The Coast Guard assisted with the release of 130 sea turtles Thursday into Gulf Stream waters off the Outer Banks.
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Cushing, along with their family members, assisted North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission personnel in releasing the sea turtles.
The rehabilitated sea turtles were among many that experienced cold-water shock along the North Carolina coast in recent weeks. Cushing crew members assisted with the rescue of many of the cold-water shocked turtles last week.
“We got word about a week ago that turtles were stranded and they were freezing," said Fireman Anthony Wilcox. "We partnered with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources commission to assist. Just as we protect people, we protect sea life.”