A rescue operation for a large green sea turtle near Hervey Bay has ended in tragedy after the animal had to be euthanased due to severe injuries from a boat strike. The turtle, estimated to be around 100 years old, was spotted by a tour boat near Urangan Harbour.
Tour boat operator Peter Lynch said the turtle swam towards the vessel after they slowed down, appearing to seek help. Videos show the turtle swimming alongside the boat, allowing crew and tourists to lift it aboard. The turtle weighed about 100 kilograms and measured one metre in length.
Wildlife Rescue Fraser Coast transported the turtle to a vet in Maryborough. Rescuer Natalie Richardson described the turtle as a 'huge, big old turtle' that had likely survived many challenges. However, the vet determined the injuries were too severe and euthanased the animal.
Richardson noted that while boat strike injuries are rare, many turtles suffer from human-related issues such as pollution, fishing line entanglements, and boat strikes. She urged the public to report injured wildlife to the RSPCA hotline on 1300-ANIMAL.
The death is a significant loss for the species, as only about one in a thousand sea turtles reaches breeding age. 'Every one matters and every one is important to the future of their species,' Richardson said.
