Ti was found floating, unable to submerge, by a fisherman.  He was brought to the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital and was found to be very emaciated (had lost a lot of weight), had ascites (fluid in his abdomen) and was unable to dive.  We felt that he was basically starving to death because he could not dive for food.  His appetite was very good and he quickly gained back the weight that he had lost.  The ascites corrected itself as his nutritional state improved.  Unfortunately, the flotation is caused by air leaking from the lungs. The leaking air is forming a blind pocket on the lungs and we don't know if we will be able to correct the problem.  If we are unable to correct it, Ti will remain at Mote indefinitely. 11/8/02 Ti's flotation problem has slowly resolved over the past months to the point that it is able to dive and sleep on the bottom of the tank with no problems. We hope to be able to tag the turtle and release it in the next few weeks. 11/21 Ti was released today near Marco Island, Florida. He did well after the release and was diving within one-half hour. Staff from Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission that work in the area are keeping an eye out for him.

2/27/03 Ti was brought back into rehab but there do not appear to be any medical issues. The turtle was likely basking on the surface to gain body heat in cold water. He will likely be released again, once the local water temperature is a little higher. 5/15 Ti is doing well and should be ready for re-release next month, if the current red tide bloom dissipates. 6/17 Ti is still awaiting release with the red tide bloom continuing. 12/5 Ti was released again today near Marco Island.
 
Lessons
There are many different causes of "floaters".  Some can be cured and others will remain floaters for the rest of their life. The cause of Ti's flotation was somewhat unusual and it resolved itself over a two year period of time.

Frontal view