Four turtles rescued in single day at Oak Island

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — It was a busy Tuesday at the Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program.

The group received four turtle calls, two for sea turtles and two for diamondback terrapins.

Two Kemp’s Ridleys (the most endangered sea turtle) were hooked by fishers at the Oak Island Pier.

(Photo: Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program)

They were taken to The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.

One turtle was named “Vela” in memory of one of the group’s patrol team member’s Grandpa Veldon. The other was named Neptune.

If you ever hook a turtle, you are asked to call the protection program (910-945-8888) and leave about 2 feet of line so they  can tape it to the carapace for transport.

You should not remove any hooks, especially in the mouth or throat.