Sea turtle released in Hawaii after losing flipper to fishing line

Sep 10, 2026

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.

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