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South Walton Lifeguard saves sea turtle tangled in fishing line

South Walton Fire District Lifeguard Jack Nabers noticed a sea turtle in distress while on duty Sunday near Miramar Beach. According to the SWFD, Nabers paddled out to the turtle and […]

South Walton Fire District Lifeguard Jack Nabers noticed a sea turtle in distress while on duty Sunday near Miramar Beach. According to the SWFD, Nabers paddled out to the turtle and found it entangled in an entire fishing pole, and was unable to move its right flipper.

“Hook, line, pole and all,” wrote the SWFD.

With the help of bystanders, Nabers removed the fishing line using his medical supplies. Thankfully, the turtle was able to swim safely back out to sea with no apparent injuries.

If you listen closely to the video, you can also hear Nabers asking for help contacting Florida Fish & Wildlife (FWC) to alert them of the turtle’s condition.

“We encourage all beach patrons to Leave No Trace,” wrote the SWFD in a statement. “This situation could have been completely avoided.”

If you encounter a sick, injured or stranded sea turtle in South Walton, please call South Walton Turtle Watch at 850-865-4503 or *FWC for further assistance.

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Community Comments

“Wow, what a catch. Congrats to the captain and crew, a lot of people have no idea how much skill it takes to land a fish like that. To the...”
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“Imagine it doesn't matter when during the year you catch the fish. It won't be spawning the next year.”
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“At least one thousand five hundred people will enjoy that fish as a center of the plate protein in a meal. The catch of thse fish are highly regulated. Celebrate...”
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“Depending on the quality that could fetch $25K ... bearing a dressed weight of around 650lbs. Beautiful fish.”
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“I remember the Blue Room and the old docks. The Wharf too.”
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“Imagine catching a Pelagic during a closed time of year which is 3 Feb 24 - 31 Dec 24 due to BFT spawning in Gulf of Mexico! https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/02/13/2024-02910/atlantic-highly-migratory-species-atlantic-bluefin-tuna-fisheries-closure-of-the-angling-category”
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“From Wik: How old is a 500 pound bluefin tuna? In a survey that included specimens up to 2.55 m (8.4 ft) in length and 247 kg (545 lb) in...”
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“Probably a female that could have been reproducing instead of ending up on a dinner plate.”
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