Injured sea turtle rescued after getting tangled in fishing line at Texas City Dike

TEXAS CITY, Texas – Firefighters are being called “heroes of the half shell” after rescuing injured sea turtles at the Texas City Dike.

The Texas City Fire Department responded to calls after visitors spotted an endangered sea turtle in the water, frantically trying to swim while injured.

When onlookers couldn’t reach the struggling turtle, who was tangled in fishing line and had a hook stuck in one of its flippers, TCFD firefighters sprang into action. They climbed over large rocks and waded out to the injured animal.

Firefighters gently freed the turtle from the fishing line and carried it to safety.

The turtle is now in the care of wildlife experts at a recovery center in Galveston and is expected to make a full recovery.