FCFR turns into ‘Turtle Rescue’ Wednesday as it assists Flagler Turtle Patrol rescue 5 hatchlings

By-Line: Julie Murphy, Flagler County Government

Five leatherback sea turtle hatchlings are in the care of Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience following their harrowing journey across State Road A1A near Beverly Beach and became trapped in two storm drains at the Oceanside Condominiums.

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Flagler Turtle Patrol contacted Flagler County Fire Rescue at about noon, and the rescue began. Jenn Jakush from the Turtle Patrol directed Fire Rescue crews – Battalion 40 and Engine 40 – to two separate storm drains, each about 6 feet deep.

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Heavy drain covers were removed, gas masks were donned, ladders were placed, and firefighters climbed down to retrieve the five hatchlings, which were carefully removed and placed into plastic containers for safety.

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“It’s an especially good day when we can help rescue some of our beloved baby sea turtles,” Fire Rescue Captain Mike Pius said.

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The rescued turtles were then transported to Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience for evaluation and rehabilitation, with the hope that they may be returned to the ocean as soon as this evening.

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“Crews got called out to a vehicle crash on Interstate 95 immediately afterward,” said Fire Chief Mike Tucker. “They didn’t even get to linger on that rescue, and they are busy making another. We have a great team. That’s what they do day in and day out.”

Several people stand around an open manhole, looking down at a person wearing a helmet and protective gear who is descending inside One person points towards the individual in the manhole Several baby sea turtles are gathered in the corner of a clear plastic container placed on a sandy surface, with one turtle separated from the group A foot in a sandal is partially visible in the top left corner Open storm drain with a metal grate partially lifted, showing the concrete interior, a pipe, some water at the bottom, and shadows of people standing nearby Grass and pavement are visible at the edges Five people in uniform stand around an open manhole with a metal ladder placed inside One person holds an orange rope, and safety equipment is visible nearby on the concrete ground

For more information, Flagler Turtle Patrol can be reached at flaglerturtlepatrol@gmail.com.

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