Juvenile Sea Turtle Dies After Boat Strike Rescue

The 'fur-covered' turtle was found floating in Florida's Indian River Lagoon

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A juvenile green sea turtle recently rescued in Vero Beach, Florida, had its shell almost entirely obscured by a thick coating of red algae, indicating it had been struggling to swim for an extended period. Further examination revealed the turtle had suffered a previous boat strike, which ultimately led to its death despite rescue efforts.

Why it matters

Boat strikes are a leading cause of injury and death for sea turtles, with an estimated 3,000 turtles killed each year in collisions. This tragic case highlights the ongoing threats these vulnerable marine creatures face due to human activities, underscoring the critical importance of conservation efforts.

The details

The turtle, named Bob Moss by the Coastal Connections, Inc. (CCI) rescue team, was discovered floating in the Indian River Lagoon by a concerned citizen. The thick coating of red algae on its shell suggested it had been unable to actively swim for a long time. While initially suspected to be a case of 'cold stunning,' further examination at a sea turtle rehabilitation center revealed evidence of a previous boat strike as the true cause of its injuries.

  • On February 21, 2026, the juvenile green sea turtle was rescued from the Indian River Lagoon in Vero Beach, Florida.

The players

Coastal Connections, Inc. (CCI)

A non-profit organization in Vero Beach, Florida that rescues and rehabilitates injured sea turtles, including those impacted by boat strikes.

Bob Moss

The nickname given to the juvenile green sea turtle rescued by CCI, whose shell was almost entirely covered in a thick coating of red algae.

Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC)

A leading non-profit organization dedicated to the research, conservation, and protection of sea turtles and their habitats.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Algae and barnacles can 'hitch a ride,' so to say, when a turtle is moving slow enough through the water, and usually near the surface, due to illness or injury. You can tell it's been floating for a while based on the accumulation on his or her head and carapace.”

— Coastal Connections, Inc. (Instagram)

The takeaway

This tragic case of a sea turtle killed by a boat strike underscores the ongoing threats these vulnerable marine creatures face due to human activities. It highlights the critical importance of conservation efforts and raising awareness about the need to protect sea turtles and their habitats from preventable injuries and deaths.