U.S. Coast Guard Station Key West received a call from four concerned boaters on the August 13 regarding an injured sea turtle being pecked at by sea birds. USCG brought her aboard safely and found Corona had injuries to the left side of the her head, across the plastron (or belly), and through one of her flippers.

Corona may have been bitten by a shark or was caught in the current of a passing boat and swept under where she was then sliced by the propeller.

The wound to her face is pretty severe, but Corona is expected to make a full recovery over time. We are currently cleaning out the wound every day with Betadine, a topical antiseptic. Check back in a week for an update on Corona’s status.