Loggerhead turtle rescued off Haifa coast after entanglement in fishing line

A loggerhead sea turtle, affectionately named Halil (Flute), was successfully rescued off the coast of Haifa after becoming entangled in a discarded fishing line. The swift response involved multiple agencies and individuals dedicated to marine conservation.

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Halil, the sea turtle that was rescued off the coast of Haifa, reminds us all of how beautiful, exciting, and vulnerable the nature around us is.

The turtle was discovered by three lifeguards from the Haifa Municipality's Coastal Department. They immediately contacted the Israel Nature and Parks Authority hotline, and Professor Roee Diamant from the University of Haifa's School of Marine Sciences joined the effort. Within half an hour, marine unit inspector Ilya Baskin arrived to take the turtle for specialized treatment at the National Sea Turtle Center in Mikhomoret.

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There is a very large amount of ghost nets, fishing lines, and hooks that people leave behind. This is a very problematic and dangerous hazard, and unfortunately, it is not surprising to encounter sea turtles in this area that are harmed by the abandoned equipment.

Professor Diamant noted the prevalence of "ghost nets, fishing lines, and hooks" left behind by humans along the coastline, identifying them as a "problematic and dangerous hazard" for marine life. He expressed that encountering harmed sea turtles in this area is unfortunately not uncommon.

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Our lifeguards are not only responsible for saving the lives of bathers, but also show responsibility and commitment to the marine environment and the animals living in it.

Haifa Municipality officials praised the lifeguards for their quick actions and commitment to the marine environment. Rita Sassi, Director of the Haifa Municipality Beaches Department, stated that the lifeguards' "alertness, sensitivity, and quick response" likely prevented serious harm to the turtle. Mayor Yona Yahav emphasized the turtle's rescue as a reminder of nature's beauty and vulnerability, expressing pride in the rescuers' "vigilance, responsibility, and extraordinary compassion."

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Along with the exciting story, it is important to remember that fishing lines, nets, and waste thrown into the sea can become a deadly trap for marine animals.