Endangered kemps ridley sea turtle accidentally caught on Apache Pier June 16th 2025

 A call coming in from Apache Pier, a Sea Turtle has accidentally been hooked by a fisherman on the pier.  This Endangered kemps Ridley Sea Turtle has safely been brought up using the Turtle safe drop net.  Great job to the fisherman and Apache Pier. 

Kemps Ridley Sea Turtles are the smallest and most endangered Sea Turtle of them all.  

When the NMB STP permitted volunteers arrive they are very happy to see that the pier has this Sea Turtle in a contained area away from the stress of the hot sun and kept quiet until we arrived. Great job Apache Pier!!!!

The overall body condition is checked out for any other injuries this Sea Turtle May have.  that way the Sea Turtle Care Center in Charleston will know if they are dealing with other injuries besides the hook.  That way they are ready and prepared the minute he/she arrives. 

The line is a little short, we try to have 18 to 24 inches of line left after it is cut.  But Apachie Pier has us covered.  They provided us with Fishing line so we could add a little more line. 

With the extra line carefully added to the short piece of line, we are able to secure the line to the carapace (shell)

Working with DNR and the Sea Turtle Care Center, this Kemps Ridley is then transported to the Sea Turtle Care center by trained and permitted STP Volunteers. The temperature is constantly monitored as he/ she is kept quiet and as dark as possible during transport.

Hyacinth is the name given to this Kemps Ridley.  The hook was removed by the Sea Turtle care center the next morning.  

The last update states that Hyacinth is eating well and gaining weight.  He/ she has been moved to the first floor of the aquarium to continue rehabilitation.   If you go to the Sea Turtle Hospital in Charleston, you will probably be able to see him/her swimming in the tanks.

All Sea Turtles are endangered, they are federally, and state protected.  Special guidelines, training and permits are required to work with nesting Sea Turtles, Nest, Stranded and accidentally caught by hook and Line.

If you encounter a nesting Sea Turtle, Hatchlings, stranded Sea Turtles or accidentally caught by hook and line in the NMB or Briarcliffe areas please call

NMB STP HOTLINE

843-213-9074

ANYTIME DY OR NIGHT