A Heroic Return to the Sea
The crew of a Royal Navy warship has successfully released six rare turtles back into the wild after they washed up on the shores of the UK.
A Journey from the Caribbean to the UK
These juvenile turtles were swept away from the Caribbean or the U.S. East Coast by powerful winds and Atlantic currents, leaving them “cold-stunned” near the British coastline, according to experts.
Turtle Rescues Across the Coast
Four loggerhead turtles were discovered along the Cornish coast, while one was found in Devon, and another was rescued at Anglesey in Wales. The HMS Medway, a Portsmouth-based patrol vessel, transported the turtles to the Azores Islands, where they were released after receiving care from Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium and Anglesey Sea Zoo. The turtles have been affectionately named Jason, Perran, Gordon, Hayle, Holly, and Tonni.
Where They Were Found
Among the rescued turtles in Cornwall, Jason and Perran were located at Perranporth, while Gordon was found at Bude, and Hayle was discovered at Hayle. Holly was rescued on Putsborough beach in Devon, and Tonni was found at Moel-y-Don beach in Anglesey. Experts believe that without intervention, the turtles would have faced dire consequences.
A Watchful Release
The turtles were released back into the sea by the ship’s crew, who gathered on the flight deck to witness the heartwarming moment. Rod Jones, the Royal Navy’s senior maritime environmental protection advisor, expressed the crew’s commitment to preserving marine biodiversity. “As professional mariners, many of us are keen to do what we can to reduce the loss of biodiversity at sea,” he stated. “Encountering marine wildlife is one of the great joys of seafaring, and if we can assist in any small way to make that more likely in the future, we are pleased to do so.”
Overcoming Challenges
Steve Matchett, group curator for Blue Reef Aquarium, noted that the turtles were found in a weakened state. “In many cases, we were unsure if they were going to make it overnight,” he admitted. “All were dehydrated and emaciated due to prolonged exposure to cold conditions, which inhibited their ability to feed and function properly.”
Gratitude for the Rescue
Fortunately, the turtles thrived after overcoming the initial challenges. Matchett expressed gratitude to the Navy for their role in repatriating these rescued turtles, emphasizing the teamwork involved in their recovery.