Mystic - Mystic Aquarium freed a leatherback turtle last week after it became caught in fishing nets off Charlestown, R.I.

The Mystic Aquarium said Monday that its marine animal rescue team and a U.S. Coast Guard crew rescued the 600- to 700-pound male turtle Thursday after it was spotted by a local fisherman three or four miles south of Charlestown.

A statement from the aquarium says the turtle had become badly entangled and would have died if rescuers had not intervened. Once freed, the turtle swam out to sea.

Leatherbacks are the largest species of sea turtle alive today and are protected by the Endangered Species Act.

- Associated Press