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Lifeguard jumps from Avalon Pier to save Loggerhead sea turtle

Posted at 9:28 PM, Jun 30, 2014
and last updated 2014-06-30 21:29:17-04

KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. — A Loggerhead sea turtle was rescued near the Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills over the weekend after it was spotted entangled in a mass of netting and a discarded plastic bottle of antifreeze.

According to the Avalon Pier’s Facebook page, people spotted the blue bottle attached to the 85-pound turtle and then made a call to Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue.

Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue Director Director Dave Elder  dove off the end of the 700 ft. Avalon Pier and swam about 150 yards south to rescue the turtle.

After the turtle was brought to shore, the debris was cut away and the the turtle was transported to the new Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.