Virginia fishermen fight 20 mph winds to free a 700-pound leatherback from crab pot ropes

Virginia fishermen fought 20 mph winds to free a roughly 700-pound leatherback sea turtle tangled in crab pot ropes in the Chesapeake Bay, turning a routine trip into a rescue. The men, including Brandon Watts of Virginia Beach, found the animal thrashing near Buck Row Beach on Sunday while searching for cobia. Watts said the lines appeared wrapped around the turtle’s neck and flippers at least 10 times, and with winds around 20 mph the crew brought their boat close enough to help without striking the turtle. Using the tools available, Watts cut through the ropes one at a time until the turtle could swim away. Afterward, the fishermen contacted the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Leatherback sea turtles are the largest sea turtles on Earth, and entanglement in fishing gear can become deadly or cause serious injuries. The account drew praise for stepping in to reduce immediate danger to marine life.