JACKSONVILLE, FL (NBC) — Deputies boating off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday afternoon made an unusual rescue.

Two off-duty Jacksonville Sheriff’s deputies saved a leatherback sea turtle that had become entangled in a crab trap line.

The officers were about two-miles off shore when they spotted the 9-foot turtle in distress.

The crab trap’s rope was looped around the turtle’s neck and a buoy was still attached to the trap – tightening every time the turtle tried to dive.

One of the deputies was able to disentangle the trap while keeping the turtle in the water, saving its life.