Video: Turtle trapped in ropes rescued again on the coast of Lanzarote

A group of young people on a recreational boat rescued a loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) trapped in ropes on the coast of Lanzarote this Tuesday.

As can be seen in the images, the turtle was floating and immobilized among the ropes, so it could not swim as it was completely entangled.

After taking it out of the water, one of the young people cut the ropes with the help of a knife, managing to free the turtle and return it to the water.

What to do when finding an injured or trapped species

The Environment Department of the Cabildo de Lanzarote and the Marine Fauna Observation Network establish a clear protocol for rescuing turtles trapped in plastics, nets, or raffia.

The first thing to do is to give notice and call 112 or the Injured Wildlife Collection Service of the Cabildo de Lanzarote (696 733 177). After that, the location of the animal and its condition must be reported so that Environmental Agents can go to the site.

However, the protocol states that the animal should not be released or completely untangled, as doing so in a hurry can cause hemodynamic shock or toxic necrosis if the cut circulation returns suddenly to the bloodstream.

Furthermore, one should not pull on any ropes, fishing lines, or hooks that the animal has swallowed, as it can cause tears.

While waiting for rescue, the animal should be kept in the shade and its shell covered with a damp towel without covering its eyes or nostrils. Also, the animal should not be fed or given water.