8th Stranding

Middle of the night call from NMB Dispatch, 2AM......huge turtle on the beach.....Nesting?   Race down to 1st Ave s.  Disappointing sight, huge turtle is floating at the water line.   North Myrtle Beach Patrol officers are there waiting.......Beautiful big turtle,  weighing 200 pounds or more.   Lifeguard helps move it out of the water and further up the beach.....tide is rising so fear the turtle will wash away.   Measurements and pictures taken by the lights of the Patrol Truck.....turtle is to big to dispose of without help so painted orange to indicate already processed and left on the beach until the City could help in the morning

Turtle appeared to be in good condition, carapace had only a few barnacles, 

very nice color

Turtle appeared to be in good condition, carapace had only a few barnacles, 

very nice color

But head tells a different story.  Head is mangled, bone exposed, 

lower jaw is completely missing

Shark attack?   Boat strike?

NMB Sea Turtle Patrol volunteers, Mary and Stan, come across the turtle

early in their walk this morning.

A huge thanks to the North Myrtle Beach Patrol Officers who called the

stranding in and helped process the turtle.  

A big thanks to Mary and Stan for the final picture.  A big surprise for them as they started their walk.