Coast Guard make turtle-y awesome rescue

The Cairns Coast Guard have had a busy holiday period which included a heartwarming rescue of a more than 100kg green sea turtle spotted in distress by concerned boaties.

Cairns Coast Guard have rescued a giant sea turtle after it was reported in distress by boaters off the coast of Cairns. Photo: Facebook

The Cairns Coast Guard have had a busy holiday period which included a heartwarming rescue of a more than 100kg green sea turtle spotted in distress by concerned boaties.

Calm breezes have created the perfect conditions on the water for enthusiastic fishers and boaties looking to enjoy their time off for the Christmas and New Year’s break.

Since Christmas Eve the Coast Guard has conducted 12 vehicle assists, one search and rescue, and responded to one mayday call.

Duty officer and skipper John Wyatte said the crew has been flat out.

“We have been busy but everyone has been pretty good, sensible and well behaved,” he said.

“A couple who have run out of fuel and another few unlucky circumstances.

“We had one boat taking in water with the mayday call but he was able to make it back to Yorkeys under his own steam.”

Cairns Coast Guard have rescued a giant sea turtle after it was reported in distress by boaters off the coast of Cairns. Photo: Facebook

The Coast Guard were also launched into action to help after a green sea turtle was spotted floating in distress on Sunday and reported to the Cairns crew who dispatched a vessel to try and locate the animal.

Cairns Coast Guard have rescued a giant sea turtle after it was reported in distress by boaties off the coast of Cairns. Photo: Facebook

Unfortunately the turtle could not be located until Tuesday.

”We had a call yesterday from someone who was actually with the turtle,” Mr Wyatte said.

“We had him stay with it for 30 minutes and he could give us a second reading which we could use to track the direction and make our search much easier.”

Cairns Coast Guard have rescued a giant sea turtle after it was reported in distress by boaters off the coast of Cairns. Photo: Facebook

The turtle, which was estimated to be around 90 years old and weighed in excess of 100kg, was finally located and transported back to Yorkeys Knob.

“It took us over half an hour to get hold of it and he was exhausted,” Mr Wyatte said.

“We had to tie ropes round his flipper and the three of us skull-dragged him into the boat, he was heavy.”

Mr Wyatte said the turtle likely had floating syndrome, caused when air is trapped under their shell preventing them from being able to dive.

“They call them floaters,” he said.

“Hopefully he’ll get some rehab and be ready to go back into the wild in no time.”

The turtle was then transferred to James Cook University where it will be treated for any injuries before being released into the wild.

Mr Wyatte reminded boaters to be safe over the summer period when getting out on the water.

“Check your batteries and your fuel, get your engines serviced and log your trip and you’ll have a great time on the water and get home safe and sound.”

Originally published as Coast Guard make turtle-y awesome rescue