Leatherback sea turtle rescued from fishing nets in Ceuta

A large adult leatherback sea turtle, weighing between 300 and 400 kilograms, was rescued and successfully released after being trapped in fishing nets at the Almadrabeta in Ceuta.

Divers discovered the animal in a semi-conscious and extremely weakened state during a morning inspection. The turtle had spent the entire night submerged, unable to reach the surface to breathe, resulting in respiratory distress and water aspiration.

To stabilize the animal, the Center for the Study and Conservation of Marine Animals (CECAM) utilized a crane and a safety harness to move the turtle to a stable platform. Specialists performed a recovery protocol by keeping the turtle at a 45-degree angle for approximately one hour to help expel accumulated water from its airways. Following veterinary evaluation and stabilization, the turtle was returned to the sea.