Amazing Journey Of Cold-Stunned Sea Turtle Arugula, Rescued 2X, Set To Be Released Tuesday

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — Six rehabilitated sea turtles will be released into the Atlantic Ocean Tuesday in Hampton Bays.

According to the The New York Marine Rescue Center, home to New York's marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation hospital, the release will take place on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Tiana Beach, located at 90 Dune Road in Hampton Bays.

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The event is free and open to the public.

The six rehabilitated sea turtles will be released after months of specialized care and rehabilitation.

The six cold-stunned sea turtles to be released were rescued from Long Island shores during the 2025 cold-stunning season, the New York Marine Rescue Center said.

Emerald, Amethyst, and Peridot will be fitted with satellite transmitters prior to release as part of NYMRC's ongoing partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, or DEC, helping researchers better understand post-release movements and habitat use, NYMRC said.

Cold stunning, similar to hypothermia in humans, occurs when sea turtles are unable to migrate south before water temperatures rapidly decline. As their body temperature drops, turtles become lethargic, stop feeding, lose the ability to swim, and are often washed ashore, NYMRC said.

Without rescue and rehabilitation, many would not survive, NYMRC said.

"One of this year's released turtles, Arugula, has a particularly remarkable journey," NYMRC said.

Originally rescued in December 2024, at Navy Beach in Montauk, then rehabilitated and released, Arugula re-stranded nearly a year later after another cold-stunning event in Port Jefferson Harbor along the ferry dock, NYMRC said.

Captain Steve Schmitt slowed the "Grand Republic" to guide Arugula towards the dock where the dock supervisor, Walter Rossler, was able to rescue Arugula, the NYMRC said.

Following a second successful rehabilitation at NYMRC, Arugula is once again ready for release, representatives added.

"Arugula's journey is a remarkable example of how collaboration and compassion can make all the difference for wildlife in need," said Maxine Montello, executive director of the New York Marine Rescue Center. "We are incredibly thankful to Captain Steve Schmitt, the crew of the Grand Republic, and dock supervisor Walter Rossler for their quick thinking and willingness to help. Their support gave Arugula the chance to be rescued, rehabilitated, and ultimately return to the ocean once again. We are so grateful to the Port Jefferson Ferry for being such an important partner in this rescue."

NYMRC responds to stranded and injured marine mammals and sea turtles throughout New York and has rehabilitated hundreds of cold-stunned sea turtles over the years. As New York's primary state, and federally authorized marine mammal and sea turtle rescue organization, NYMRC works to preserve and protect the marine environment through conservation, rescue, rehabilitation, education, and scientific research, representatives said.

To date this season, NYMRC has successfully returned 31 rehabilitated sea turtles to the wild, including the six turtles to be released Tuesday. NYMRC continues to care for 14 additional cold stunned sea turtles, which are expected to be released later this summer as they complete their rehabilitation.

Public sea turtle releases provide an opportunity for the community to witness successful wildlife rehabilitation while learning about the many threats facing sea turtles, including climate-related cold stunning, marine debris, fishing gear entanglement, vessel strikes, habitat degradation, and other human-related impacts, NYMRC said.

Tuesday's six turtles were all named after this year's gemstone theme, with the exception of Arugula.

Emerald is a Green sea (Chelonia mydas) turtle rescued from Steers Beach, Northport on November 11, 2025. Emerald will be fitted with a satellite transmitter before release.

Amethyst is a Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea turtle rescued from Foster Memorial Beach, Sag Harbor on November 15, 2025. Amethyst will receive a satellite transmitter before release.

Citrine is a Green sea turtle(Chelonia mydas) rescued from Lion Head Beach, East Hampton on November 20, 2025.

Peridot is a Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) rescued near 67 Steps in Greenport on November 18, 2025. Peridot will also be fitted with a satellite transmitter.

Tanzanite is a Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) rescued from Montauk on December 6, 2025.

Arugula is Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) originally rescued in December 2024, released in summer 2025, then restranded in December — and now, will be returning to the wild.