Young Sea Turtle Washed Up In Jersey

Friday, 26 January 2024 11:26

A young loggerhead turtle has been found after washing up on one of Jersey's east coast beaches.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue volunteers were called out to help the juvenile turtle after it was found at Archirondel yesterday morning (25 January)

When they arrived, it seemed as though it had already passed away, but despite first appearances, the rescuers persevered.

Due to varying sea temperatures, it would have been easy to mistake the turtle as dead rather than stunned, as the sea around Jersey is too cold for these creatures.

It is quite rare for loggerhead turtles to be found in Channel Islands' waters, despite another being found in Guernsey late last year called Barnacle Bill.

The cold water can make turtles tired and lifeless.

The BDMLR CI placed the turtle on a wet towel and took it to New Era Veterinary Hospital for additional checks.

The turtle underwent an ultrasound of its heart to scan for movement and a doppler to find a heartbeat or flow.

The veterinary staff repeated this for a few hours, but sadly, the turtle was confirmed dead.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue Channel Islands wants to remind islanders to never put a sea turtle back into the water, and not to warm it up themselves.

People can contact the group of 01534 724331 through the JSPCA to assist with the rescue, as treatment and checks need to be done by experts.