Sea Life Blackpool gives update on Cumbrian loggerhead turtle

SEA LIFE Blackpool has given an update on the status of the lucky turtle, now given the Portuguese name Nazaré, who was found by British Marine Divers at Earnse Bay, Walney, two weeks ago. 

This is the second time she has been rescued in less than a year.

She also became stranded on the French coast in April last year with numerous wounds to her limbs and neck. She was rescued and rehabilitated by a French aquarium and then fitted with a satellite tag and released two months later. 

The loggerhead turtle was found covered in algae (Image: Sarah Neill)

Nazaré was discovered covered in algae and cuts by Walney resident Paul Knight when he went for a walk on the beach on the morning of Sunday, February 4. He initially thought she was dead but when he contacted the Marine Conservation Society it became apparent that she was actually in cold shock. 

British Marine Life Divers Rescue contacted SEA LIFE Blackpool when they received a call from Mr Knight. A team from the centre took Nazaré into their expert care to give her the best chance of recovery. They also discovered that the satellite tag had stopped transmitting at the end of last year, which was why it was not immediately apparent that Nazaré had gone so far off course. 

The Marine Conservation Society said the algae on her body suggested the turtle had become comatose due to the cold water.

Hailing from warmer waters, loggerhead turtles can be taken off course by storms when following warm Atlantic currents. Loggerhead turtles are the most northerly nesting of all sea turtles.

Sarah Neill, the local co-ordinator for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said: “This turtle was very lucky to have been found and rescued when she was as the majority who are washed up in these circumstances sadly would not live.

"If they become ill, injured or weak, they can easily get swept up into the north Atlantic currents which will lead them into cold waters and anything colder than 15C results in them being unable to feed.”

Scott Blacker, curator at SEA LIFE Blackpool said: “Nazaré was in an extremely delicate position when she came to SEA LIFE Blackpool but thanks to specialist expert care from our animal care team, she is making significant steps forward.

“Whilst Nazaré is doing well, she still has a long way to go in her journey back to full health and her next step on her road to recovery is to head to SEA LIFE Scarborough where the team there can continue working around the clock to give her the best chance of a full recovery.”

According to the World Wildlife Fund website, Loggerheads are the most common turtle in the Mediterranean, usually nesting on beaches from Greece and Turkey to Israel and Libya.