Turtle Rescued From Rough Seas After Getting Tangled In Fishing Debris

A sea turtle found tangled in fishing debris off Little Armier has been rescued following a difficult operation in rough sea conditions. Nature Trust Malta said the rescue began after…

A sea turtle found tangled in fishing debris off Little Armier has been rescued following a difficult operation in rough sea conditions.

Nature Trust Malta said the rescue began after the Malta Red Cross, stationed in the area, alerted volunteers to a turtle in distress on Saturday afternoon.

When rescuers arrived on site, they quickly realised the rough sea and strong waves would make the operation especially challenging.

Following a discussion between lifeguards and volunteers, one rescuer entered the water while lifeguards closely monitored the situation and later jumped in themselves to help safely bring the turtle back to shore.

The turtle has now been named “Red-X” in honour of the Malta Red Cross.

According to Nature Trust, the turtle had ingested fishing line which was protruding from its mouth and had become entangled with a two-metre wooden log.

Red-X has since been transferred to the wildlife rehabilitation centre at Xrobb l-Għaġin, where vets will assess whether a fishing hook is still lodged inside before deciding on further treatment.

Nature Trust also reminded the public that all rescued wildlife species are protected by law in Malta and should never be kept as pets.

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