Mother Turtle Dies on Rocks While Trying to Lay Eggs

Tim Malloy  |  Beaches & Intracoastal  |  May 2, 2019

Palm Beach Fire-Rescue, with the help of a Florida Wildlife officer, struggled yesterday to dislodge a large female turtle caught in the barrier rocks in front of the Palm Beach Country Club.

It was quickly clear that what looked at first to be a rescue effort was in fact a recovery mission.

Palm Beach Fire-Rescue Ladder Truck

Town of Palm Beach Fire-Rescue ladder truck used to recover sea turtle from the beach.

The deceased turtle was likely thrust into the rocks by high surf as it was trying to lay eggs.

A ladder truck was used to hoist the turtle off the beach.

It will undergo a necropsy to confirm the cause of death.

Town of Palm Beach Fire Rescue on Turtle Recovery Mission

Town of Palm Beach Fire Rescue on Turtle Recovery Mission

Video of part of the recovery operation — No audio [20 sec.]

Photos and video by Tim Malloy

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