Sea turtle released in Hawaii after losing flipper to fishing line
A rescued sea turtle went back into the ocean at a Hawaii beach, a good-news moment that doubles as a warning about ocean trash.
- Trinity, a young honu, was released at Kaloko Beach Park after weeks of rehab.
- The turtle was found stranded on the Big Island with fishing line wrapped tightly around a front flipper, which vets had to amputate.
- About 2,000 people showed up to watch, far more than organizers expected.
- Rescuers say discarded fishing line is a life-or-death hazard for turtles, monk seals and rays, and are pushing people to use barbless hooks.
- The turtle was named by a coffee roasting business whose owner was a New York City firefighter on 9/11, and the release came two days before the 25th anniversary.
Outlook: Trinity is expected to do fine with three flippers, and the crowd's turnout suggests more public pressure to keep fishing gear out of the water.