Watch: Young Turtle Entangled In Litter Saved By Passing Fisherman Near Filfa
A young turtle struggling in the sea near Filfla after becoming entangled in litter found a hero just when it needed one.
A Maltese fisherman was nearby and able to lend a hand, saving the turtle from a potentially tragic ending and and freeing it from an unwanted plastic grip.
“We were fishing just off Filfla when we saw about 15 turtles in total throughout the morning,” Nigel Sullivan told Lovin Malta. “They all looked quite young, and we saw this one little turtle with plastic wrapped around one of his legs. It was very sad to see him stranded.”
@lovinmaltaofficial Thankfully the turtle was released back into the sea without any visible injuries 🙏🏻🐢 #fyp #fypmalta #lovinmalta #fypmalta🇲🇹 #seamalta #turtlemalta #turtlerescue #viralvideo ♬ original sound – Lovin Malta
Sullivan was able to bring the turtle on his boat, where they quickly got to work freeing it from the litter.
“Without too much effort, we released him without any visible damage, and he swam off safely.”
Turtle sightings are uncommon across Malta, though they are spotted time to time, and even come to shore to lay eggs on occasion.
Sullivan wanted to take the opportunity to send a message to all those who litter or throw their rubbish carelessly when near the sea or at the beach.
“This is what happens when we throw plastic into the sea… plastic kills turtles, and that’s not just some phrase we should ignore.”
Watch the full rescue:
@lovinmaltaofficial The turtle was released into the sea plastic free 🙏🏻🐢 #fyp #fypmalta #lovinmalta #fypmalta🇲🇹 #turtlemalta #LovinMalta #turtle #viralvideo ♬ original sound – Lovin Malta
Boat owners and fishermen finding injured turtles are urged to report to Nature Trust by calling 9999 9505 and remain with the turtle until help arrives.
Anyone who wants to help turtles under rehab or wildlife rescues can also adopt a turtle and can write to Nature Trust at [email protected].
Find out everything you need to do should you ever come across a wild turtle in potential danger by checking out our guide here.
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