On a storm battered rocky coastline, heavy rain fell and waves crashed against dark rocks as a large sea turtle lay stranded on wet sand. The animal was partly tangled in green and blue discarded fishing nets and ropes, with strands of seaweed clinging to its wet shell. It remained conscious, slowly moving its head while the storm continued around it.

A coastal rescuer in an orange waterproof jacket approached carefully and knelt beside the turtle. Wearing protective marine gloves, the rescuer first examined the netting wrapped across the shell and around one front flipper, gently separating loose rope strands without pulling on the animal.

Using a small safety cutting tool, the rescuer then cut the loose strands away, keeping the tool safely away from the turtle’s skin. As the netting loosened, the turtle slowly moved its head and flipper. Finally, the last pieces of net were removed, revealing the freed flipper and shell.

In the background, a rescue truck with flashing lights and a rescue boat with crew members stood ready, a reminder that even in severe weather, help can arrive in time.

The rescue is also a warning about ocean pollution. Discarded fishing gear, often called ghost gear, can trap sea turtles, seabirds and other marine life long after it is lost or abandoned at sea. For this turtle, a few careful minutes made the difference between being trapped and being free again.