It is good to be able to report the survival of another turtle thanks to the prompt action and kind assistance of seamen and marina employees.

A loggerhead turtle, named Naomi by its rescuers, is now in the San Lucjan rehabilitation centre after it was spotted close to a floater with a hook in its mouth, a good distance from shore.

The captain of the vessel involved handed the turtle to the Manoel Island Marina employees (Melita Marine Group) who took it to San Lucjan, to join other turtles receiving attention.

BICREF wishes to stress the importance of such prompt and caring action to help these legally protected animals that deserve our consideration and assistance. BICREF will gladly assist any sailor or fisherman who does not know what needs to be done in such emergencies. Mepa has its nature protection inspectorate that assists in cases dealing with protected species and can also be called.

Unfortunately, as turtles approach our coasts, they can be hit by jet-skis and speedboats that are often travelling too fast for the turtles to escape when they are on the surface to bask in the sun and breathe.

Increasing marine pollution, plastics and various fishing activities do not help turtle survival either.

Indeed BICREF noted an increasing number of turtle deaths last summer, when regrettably the turtles did not make it to the

rehabilitation centre.