By Associated Press - Wednesday, June 14, 2017

LEWES, Del. (AP) - A sick loggerhead turtle has been rescued from Delaware waters and sent to rehab.

The Daily Times of Salisbury reports (https://delmarvane.ws/2srXg5l) that a U.S. Coast Guard crew spotted the 252-pound (114-kilogram) loggerhead turtle, nicknamed Tammie, with a biota-encrusted shell. Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute Executive Director Suzanne Thurman says the biota, which are live creatures like barnacles, were one of the heaviest loads she had seen, and indicated that the turtle had been moving slowly for a long time.

Thurman says the turtle had buoyancy issues, usually attributed to infection, which could prevent it from diving and gathering food.

The rescue required two boats because of Tammie’s weight. The turtle has been sent to Sea Turtle Recovery in West Orange, New Jersey, for long-term rehabilitation.

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Information from: The Daily Times of Salisbury, Md., https://www.delmarvanow.com/

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