Cornwall Wildlife Trust is urging the public to be marine aware following several recent reports of marine turtles washing up along the Cornish coast. At this time of year, these turtles are likely to be in distress and need urgent assistance to survive. 

Cornish waters are generally too cold for marine turtles, but occasionally strandings do occur. If you come across one on the beach, it is vital to act quickly. Call the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) team straight away on 01825 765546. They will arrange a rescue and provide expert advice. If the turtle is dead then contact the Marine Strandings hotline on 0345 2012626.  

In some cases, well-meaning members of the public have mistakenly returned turtles to the water, believing they are helping. However cold-stunned turtles are in a hypothermic state and so this could make them colder and susceptible to drowning.  

Importantly, a stranded turtle may appear lifeless but could still be alive. Cold-stunned turtles can be unresponsive, appear to have no breathing movement and can have damaged skin. 

Cornwall Wildlife Trust is urging people to stay with the turtle after calling for help, if possible, to keep it safe from dogs and onlookers, and to avoid handling it unnecessarily.  

Bex Allen, Marine Conservation Officer at Cornwall Wildlife Trust says: 

“We do occasionally get marine turtles coming ashore along our coast and it’s understandable that people want to help when they see a marine animal in trouble. So, we’re urging everyone to be aware of what to do in these situations – a quick phone call could save a turtle’s life.” 

With changing marine behaviours and increased sightings of species such as humpback whales, it has never been more important to be aware of how to support marine wildlife. Knowing what to do in the event of a stranding can make a real difference.