Storm Desmond knocks turtle off track to Spain

An endangered sea turtle has been rescued after its migration plans were upset by Storm Desmond, an animal welfare charity has said.

Scottish SPCA handout photo of their rescue of an endangered loggerhead sea turtle that was washed up on Irvine Beach, Ayrshire as a result of Storm Desmond. Image by Scottish SPCA/PA Wire

The Scottish SPCA were alerted after a male loggerhead turtle was discovered on Irvine beach, North Ayrshire, on Sunday morning.

He is now being cared for at the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary in Oban, Argyll and Bute, until he is back to full health and strength.

Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer Danielle Higgins said: “We do see these turtles off the coast of Scotland on the odd occasion but never usually at this time of year.

“This turtle should have been on his way to Spain where it’s warmer but I think he may have stayed here due to the milder weather, however Storm Desmond has caught him out and brought him inland.

“There were a lot of crustaceans on the turtle which would have weighed him down, making it more difficult to swim in the strong currents.

“Quite a crowd gathered to witness this unusual event and we’d like to thank the local volunteer from British Divers Marine Life Rescue, members of the public and bike race stewards who helped move the turtle off the beach.

“Once he is fit enough to fend for himself, he will be flown to Gran Canaria and released back into the wild.”

(Press Association)

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