A combined rescue operation took place on Tuesday morning, as lifeguards worked to save a loggerhead sea turtle that was entangled in a fishing line.
The turtle was found by three lifeguards from the Haifa Municipality’s Coastal Department, and the rescue was quickly joined by Professor Roee Diamant, head of a laboratory at the University of Haifa’s School of Marine Sciences.
The teams worked together to successfully retrieve the turtle from the sea after contacting the Israel Nature and Parks Authority hotline. Within half an hour, marine unit inspector Ilya Baskin arrived at the beach and took the turtle for further treatment at the National Sea Turtle Center in Mikhomoret.
Professor Diamant explained that he often works in the area of the coastline where the giant sea turtle had been found, and “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.”
The turtle was named Halil (Flute) after one of the team members who took part in its rescue.
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Representatives from the Haifa Municipality spoke about the operation, praising the rescuers for their quick instincts and response. Director of Haifa Municipality Beaches Department, Rita Sassi, said, “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. The alertness, sensitivity, and quick response they demonstrated apparently prevented serious harm to the sea turtle, and I am proud of them for their work.”
Haifa Mayor, Yona Yahav, said, “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. I am proud of the Haifa Municipality rescuers, who, with vigilance, responsibility, and extraordinary compassion, were not content with their role of saving human lives, but also acted resolutely to save an animal in distress. I would also like to thank Prof. Roy Diamant, student Ron Banjo, the staff of the Nature and Parks Authority, and the National Center for Sea Turtle Rescue for their quick and professional cooperation.”
Yahav added, “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. The responsibility to protect the sea and the life in it lies with all of us. Haifa is a city of the sea, and we are committed to doing everything we can to protect our unique marine environment, so that future generations can also enjoy it. I wish Halil a full recovery and hope to see him return to the sea soon, healthy and free.”
Halil is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Mikhomeret. The rescue center stated that his injured limb is in a state of necrosis, but X-rays revealed that it was not broken.
The sea turtle is expected to undergo a lengthy rehabilitation process before hopefully being released back into the sea.
