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FORT MACON, N.C. – The Coast Guard released 10 rehabilitated turtles back into the ocean Tuesday.

Wendy Cluse, of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, unloaded five green turtles and five loggerhead turtles from vans and onto a 47-foot Coast Guard cutter. The boat will take them out 40 nautical miles where the turtles will be released.

"It's definitely a neat feeling to be able to help the environment and help animals," USCG Chief Petty Officer Jason Olsen said.

U.S. Coast Guard crews load up their ship with turtles headed back to the ocean.

The turtles are some of dozens that washed up across the North Carolina coast this winter. Cold waters stun turtles, and this year's chilly weather brought in many more than normal.

"It's been overwhelming for everybody, and it's just been sort of a constant flow of turtles all winter," Clause said. "Just when we thought it ended, another round comes in, so it's been really tiring."

All three aquariums in the state took in turtles, but there was such a high volume some had to be sent to other states.

The animals are checked by vets and cared for until they are healthy enough to be in the ocean again.

"We watch their progress, and once their bloodwork looks well, they're eating and they're acting normally, swimming normally, we don't see any problems, we know they're ready to go," Cluse said.

The Coast Guard is looking for 70-degree water, optimal temperatures for these cold-blooded turtles.