Turtle helped back into the sea after getting caught in a fishing net

Turtle helped back into the sea after getting caught in a fishing net

A 200kg sea turtle was helped back into the sea after it was caught in a fishing net in the Philippines.

The marine animal was found by fishermen while they were trawling for squid off the coast of Palompon, Leyte on March 9.

The giant creature – 4ft-long and 2ft-wide – swam near the boat after being attracted to the bait intended for the squid.

It was then caught inside the net with the fishermen’s catch but they did not notice the animal until they were near the shore.

They decided to keep the turtle and turned it over to local officials who called the city veterinarians to have a look at its health.

The animal was then taken to the local marine shelter where it was screened for injuries and other conditions, but results showed it was fit to return to the sea.

The next day, marine police, together with the local officials, the turtle was freed near the spot where it was believed to have been accidentally caught by the fishermen.

Three men had to help carry the wild creature on a sack so they could throw it back into the sea.

Town Mayor Georgina Arevalo said sea turtles frequented their area so locals know what to do in case they find one.

She said: ‘Our locals were educated on the laws protecting the sea turtles and other wildlife.

We are proud that the sea turtle population here is safe because of this.’