Two juvenile green sea turtles swam back to the ocean from Atlantic Dunes Park in Delray Beach on Tuesday morning, despite winds gusting in the 30s and seas running over 10 feet.
Spectators gathered on the beach to watch the release. Some, including visitors Diane and Dale, had never seen a sea turtle up close. Diane said her husband spotted people from their hotel heading to the beach and the couple followed.
The first turtle released, named Windward, was rescued by Sea Turtle Specialists for a second time after being found hooked again. The second, Wheezy, was found about two months ago with its neck wrapped in fishing line and unable to breathe.
Whitney Crowder, co-founder and director of operations at Sea Turtle Specialists, said this is the group’s second public release within the year. The nonprofit is led by women and has been operating for three years, with one full year as an official opening. Crowder said it has rescued and rehabilitated more than 3,000 hatchlings and 50 sea turtles.
