Sarasota Police Department Dive Team Rescues Loggerhead Turtle

UPDATE: Some sad news to pass along this afternoon. We've learned from our partners at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium that the Loggerhead sea turtle, "Trippi," has passed away. Our Dive Team rescued Trippi near Big Pass last week. The Dive Team named the turtle "Trippi" after Officer Tripp Schwenk was the first one to see him in the water in distress during their monthly training.
A necropsy is scheduled for this week to determine the exact cause of death of the turtle. Mote's animal hospital staff showed tremendous dedication, compassion and skill in providing critical care to this animal in need. "We are saddened at this loss, but are thankful for all the help and support from the Sarasota Police Department, which spotted the animal in need and brought it to Mote," said Kaitlyn Fusco with Mote.
If you see a stranded, injured or dead dolphin, whale or sea turtle in Sarasota or Manatee County waters, please contact the 24-hour pager for Mote’s Stranding Investigations Program at 941-988-0212. If you see a stranded or dead marine animal outside of Sarasota and Manatee counties, please call the FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at 1 (888) 404-FWCC (3922).

April 5, 2017

The Sarasota Police Department Dive Team had a unique rescue during their training on Wednesday, April 5, 2017.

While conducting exercises near Big Pass, about a mile off Siesta Key, Officer Tripp Schwenk noticed a large loggerhead sea turtle swimming in the area.

Since the turtle did not dive back under the water when Officers drove by on boat, they became concerned. When they went to check on it and were able to pull it into the boat, they knew it was sick. One of the first symptoms of a sick loggerhead sea turtle is its inability to dive when a potential predator approaches.

The Sarasota Police Department Dive Team called Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and transported the sea turtle to their Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital for care. The sea turtle weighed in at 108.7lbs. Upon arrival, the turtle appeared lethargic but responsive. Its carapace (shell) was also covered in algae, which indicates that it may not have been active for a while.

The Dive Team nicknamed the turtle "Trippi" after Officer Schwenk.