Malta sea turtles rescued after fishing entanglement

Two sea turtles were rescued in Malta within a 24-hour period after becoming entangled in fishing material. Both animals are currently receiving veterinary treatment.

The first turtle, named Gerbulin, was located near Ta’ Marija Cave. Rescuers found fishing line tangled around its flipper, wounds on its shell, and evidence that it had swallowed fishing line. The second turtle, named Dominika, was rescued near the Ċirkewwa ferry berthing area. She was found with a severely swollen flipper after the entanglement was removed.

Nature Trust Malta advised the public not to attempt to remove fishing lines or netting from wildlife themselves, noting that material can be deeply embedded and improper handling can worsen hidden injuries.