A kitesurfer spotted a stick floating along the blustery ocean but ended up calling for emergency rescuers when they noticed something alive in the water
A stunned kitesurfer got more than they bargained for when they spotted a stick floating in the waves. On closer inspection they discovered there was something alive stuck on the end of the broken stick.
It soon became apparent that the stick was actually stuck to a turtle. The Wildlife Rescue Team Malta say they were called to rescue the reptile at around 10am on March 19.
The volunteers attempted to make it out to the turtle but found the blustery conditions meant their “willpower alone” wouldn’t get them there. It meant they had to call for back-up from the Civil Protection.
After scouring the waters they managed to recover the turtle, only to discover its flippers had become wrapped up in plastic. Wildlife Rescue Team Malta said: “Thankfully, after examination from our vet, the entanglement was not extremely tight and we’re hopeful she will make a full recovery.”
The rescuers went on to explain that every animal they rescue is considered a “protected species” and are illegal to own in Malta. It has now urged people to be mindful about disposing of their rubbish.
“It is very important that we dispose of our rubbish in a responsible manner, and when out at sea or at the beach, to always make sure we leave nothing behind us,” a spokesman told The Dodo .
Fans on social media praised the work of the volunteers. Deborah Strahs said: “Fantastic work. Thank you for all you do to help. As a SCUBA diver I do my best to collect trash while enjoying the ocean’s beauty.”
While Lee-Ann Bailey wrote: “What a blessing that someone did the right thing and cleaned up that mess around the turtle. If we all did the right thing then that mess would not have been in the ocean to begin with. Go Belle! Be a turtle.”
Pam Buziak said: “You people do such great work. I’m so happy Belle wasn’t seriously injured. Thankfully another happy ending!”
According to the WWF sea turtles are at risk of drowning if they become entangled in things like fishing gear. This is because they can’t always get back up to the surface to breathe.
The sea turtle is considered an endangered species with a loss of habitat, poaching, and byproducts of the fishing trade among its biggest risks, the charity says. Each year hundreds and thousands of turtles are thought to get caught in fishing nets and hooks.
It said: “WWF aims to reduce turtle bycatch by working with fisheries to switch to more turtle-friendly fishing hooks (‘circle’ hooks). We advocate for the use of special turtle excluder devices in nets.
“WWF has worked with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop lights to reduce the bycatch of turtles in gill nets.”