Sea turtle is rescued after being found snared in rope with a 3ft SPEAR in its neck

Sea turtle is rescued after being found snared in rope with a 3ft SPEAR in its neck off the Florida Keys

  • Sea turtle found with 3ft spear sticking into its side off Key Largo in Florida 
  • Injured turtle taken in by Turtle Hospital Saturday and given emergency surgery
  • It is felony to harm a sea turtle in U.S. & authorities now searching for perpetrator
  • According to WWF, nearly all species of sea turtle are classified as Endangered 

A sea turtle was left fighting for life after it was found with a 3ft spear impaled in its neck. 

The sub-adult green sea turtle named Splinter was admitted to the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida, on Saturday where he underwent emergency surgery by Veterinarian Dr. Doug Mader to remove the object.

The wounded animal was found tangled in a trapline on Carysfort Reef off of Key Largo. 

X-rays before the operation showed the sharp rod sticking deep into the animal’s stomach underneath his shell. 

‘No words for this horrific act,’ said the non-profit Turtle Hospital in a post on Facebook. 

A sea turtle was left fighting for life after it was found with a 3ft spear impaled in its neck 

X-rays before the operation showed the sharp rod sticking deep into the animal's stomach underneath his shell

X-rays before the operation showed the sharp rod sticking deep into the animal’s stomach underneath his shell 

The spear has been saved as evidence of the crime and authorities are investigating to find out who is responsible. 

The Turtle Hospital’s chairman of the board, Richie Moretti, is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who has information which could lead to an arrest. 

All species of sea turtles in and around the United States are protected by the US Endangered Species Act of 1973 and it is a felony to touch or harm a sea turtle.  

Splinter has since undergone the operation and is recovering in hospital. A photo uploaded online shows the turtle in bandages, with the spear removed. 

Splinter has since undergone operation and is recovering in hospital. A photo uploaded online shows the turtle in bandages, with the spear removed

Splinter has since undergone operation and is recovering in hospital. A photo uploaded online shows the turtle in bandages, with the spear removed

One day after surgery, the sub-adult sea turtle was able to take to water again in a small pool at the hospital.

One day after surgery, the sub-adult sea turtle was able to take to water again in a small pool at the hospital.

Splinter received much support and well-wishes online, with one person writing: 'That's wonderful news! I'm so happy Splinter is feeding better. God bless all the wonderful people for all you do to help save all these beautiful Sea turtles'

Splinter received much support and well-wishes online, with one person writing: ‘That’s wonderful news! I’m so happy Splinter is feeding better. God bless all the wonderful people for all you do to help save all these beautiful Sea turtles’

One day after surgery, the sub-adult sea turtle was able to take to water again in a small pool at the hospital. ‘Splinter is active and looking good in water!’ the hospital said. 

Splinter received much support and well-wishes online, with one person writing: ‘That’s wonderful news! I’m so happy Splinter is feeding better. God bless all the wonderful people for all you do to help save all these beautiful Sea turtles.’

Another person said: ‘I’m so happy Splinter is feeding better. God bless all the wonderful people for all you do to help save all these beautiful Sea turtles.’ 

According to the World Wildlife Fund, nearly all species of sea turtle are classified as Endangered

According to the World Wildlife Fund, nearly all species of sea turtle are classified as Endangered

The spear has been saved as evidence of the crime and authorities are investigating to find out who is responsible

The spear has been saved as evidence of the crime and authorities are investigating to find out who is responsible

The Turtle Hospital's chairman of the board, Richie Moretti, is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who has information which could lead to an arrest

The Turtle Hospital’s chairman of the board, Richie Moretti, is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who has information which could lead to an arrest

According to the World Wildlife Fund, nearly all species of sea turtle are classified as Endangered. 

‘Human activities have tipped the scales against the survival of these ancient mariners,’ the WWF said. 

‘Slaughtered for their eggs, meat, skin and shells, sea turtles suffer from poaching and over-exploitation. 

‘They also face habitat destruction and accidental capture in fishing gear.’ 



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