Turtle dies despite public rescue efforts
Unfortunately, the turtle didn't survive but it showed how people can work together.
Many South Coasters, and very often visitors to our area, generally show great care and concern for marine life.
This was especially on display this week, when Donatello, a green turtle was found near Umkobi beach, near Marina Beach on Tuesday this week.
Unfortunately, the turtle didn’t survive but it showed how people can work together to help.
Bystanders alerted NSRI Port Edward and Mpenjati Conservancy about the clearly injured turtle which had washed up.
Gert du Plessis, NSRI Port Edward station commander, said a ‘Good Samaritan’ Christopher Kortenhoeven from Pretoria, had come across the turtle and raised the alarm.
“He said it was opening and closing its eyes, but appeared unable to make any further movements,” he said.
NSRI crew responded and were joined by an Mpenjati Conservancy member on the scene.
The green turtle, a local species to the area, was found barely alive.
Meanwhile, uShaka Marine World, Durban, was alerted and agreed to send help.
A trauma board and blankets were used to gently transport the turtle off the beach and it was loaded into a sea rescue vehicle.
“We met with the uShaka Marine World member at the Hibberdene off-ramp, and the turtle was taken into their care,” said Du Plessis.
Unfortunately, the turtle died on Wednesday.
NSRI thanked those who had helped.
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