|
|
|
Turtle Rescue – 8th May 2007
At 0855 hours today keen eyed AB Craig, from his position on the bridge, spotted a turtle on the starboard side. The creature struggling as it had become entangled in a fishing net. It is customary in these waters for fishermen to leave their nets drifting and the unfortunate turtle had obviously not realised the trap when he swam towards it. Nearing exhaustion the turtle was paddling on the surface dragging the heavy net behind it.
Turtle in distress
A Gemini inflatable dinghy was quickly launched with LS Still, AB Gibb and LS(D) Webb on board as the rescue party and LA(PHOT) Whybrow to record the event with her camera. Despite attempts to cause as little distress as possible to the animal, it was scared by the approach of the boat. By 0912 the team were alongside the turtle and Leading Diver Webb cut the mesh of the net allowing it to swim free.
LS(D) Webb cutting the turtle free of the fishing net
A job well done by LS(D) Webb
The turtle wasted no time in swimming off. The net was pulled onto the Gemini and returned to the ship for disposal.
Most turtle species in this area are endangered. We are currently trying to work out what species our friend was so that we can discover a little more about its life. Watch this space…
|
