After months of rehab, Lowcountry turtles swimming again

Two rescued sea turtles that were found injured around Beaufort County shores are now swimming freely through the Atlantic Ocean again after receiving treatment.

According to the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Program, Lady, a large female loggerhead, and Forest, a young green sea turtle, were released at the Isle of Palms County Park on Thursday. They were treated at the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital, with the help of SCDNR and the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) aiding with their rescue.

Boaters found Lady last summer floating near Lady’s Island. She was weak and covered in barnacles. Lady was severely malnourished, weighing just 95 pounds.

She was treated with antibiotics, vitamins and surgery to remove the cataracts in both eyes. Lady successfully recovered from surgery and now is back to full weight at 140 pounds.

Forest was found wounded by a group of girls biking at Forest Beach on Hilton Head Island in April. Forest was suffering from numerous injuries consistent with a shark attack, along with intestinal issues. After several months of hands-on care, Forest was nursed back to health.

Their release marks 191 sea turtles successfully treated and released by the South Carolina Aquarium Sea Turtle Rescue Program.

If you find a sick or injured sea turtle, contact the SCDNR sea turtle hotline at (800) 922-5431.

This story was originally published June 30, 2016 at 5:36 PM with the headline "After months of rehab, Lowcountry turtles swimming again."