Sea Turtles Rescued from Discarded Nets in Taiwan's Penghu Waters

Divers in Penghu, Taiwan, rescued two sea turtles entangled in discarded fishing nets, a stark reminder of the persistent threat of marine debris. The rescue took place just before the anticipated arrival of Typhoon Barway.

During a snorkeling trip near Cimei Island, tour operator Yeh Sheng-hung noticed the struggling turtles. He immediately halted the dive and directed his team to save the animals. One hawksbill turtle was found in critical condition, with its neck severely constricted by the net, while a green sea turtle was also trapped.

After carefully cutting the turtles free from the nets, the team placed them in containers with seawater. They promptly notified the Cimei Coast Guard station, and the boat captain diverted course to return to Cimei South Harbor for immediate veterinary assistance.

Yeh Sheng-hung emphasized the importance of marine conservation, stating that rescuing these creatures is akin to saving human lives. He reflected on the profound realization of humanity's smallness in the face of creatures that have existed on Earth far longer. The rescued turtles, a hawksbill and a green sea turtle, were taken to the Cimei Coast Guard station for care.