Where to start?
This morning I rescued a brown sea turtle again, this time my dad was with me on the rescue mission.
We went swimming for fun, we hadn't swam together in a long time and it was exciting for me.
After a short time in the water we came across long fishing lines, I started collecting but first I checked that they were not connected to some fisherman on the shore who might pull me in. I collected some and decided to check the other end and then unfortunately I discovered the brown turtle that had fallen victim to a baited hook.
I dived to catch the turtle and we began the mission. My dad collected the fishing lines. At some point we switched and I let him hold the turtle to free the lines that were caught on the bottom. I collected everything and we continued to the shore.
This time the turtle was released from 200 meters from the shore, relatively close.
Just two and a half weeks ago, on 20/07/25, I rescued a brown sea turtle (her name is Tal) that also got tangled in this tangled mess. She was taken to the hospital and is still there undergoing rehabilitation after the hook was removed from her mouth. Unfortunately, her limb, which was tangled in the fishing line, could not be saved (there are many sea turtles that manage just fine in nature, if that's any consolation).
The turtle (Raz) we rescued today successfully underwent hook removal and is beginning rehabilitation. We wish both of them a full recovery and a speedy return to the sea.
I will repeat my mantra, Bat Galim Reef must be protected.
This morning it ended well, until next time, I'm sad that we're abandoning the natural treasures we have here, instead of protecting them with all our might. There is a very large community of sea turtles here that call this their home. This home is in danger 24/7.
Rescuing a brown sea turtle from the water ► Watch
Now there is a sea turtle named Raz (it is customary to give a turtle the name of its rescuer), who knew that it would be in such a short time, now there are two turtles at the Sea Turtle Rescue Center next to each other – Tal and Raz.
A huge thank you to my dad, who was there by my side to help and document this whole story.
Many thanks to everyone who came to help, and thanks to Inspector Alon Penn from the RTG Marine Unit who came to collect the turtle from the Sea Turtle Rescue Center.
Thanks toThe National Center for Sea Turtle Rescue For the sacred work they have been doing for decades, saving thousands of sea turtles.
If you encounter an injured or distressed turtle, do not untie the fishing line from the turtle and do not try to remove the hook yourself, this can do more harm than good. This should be done under the supervision of a doctor who specializes in this - report it in the SeaWatch app, or call the IHRC at 3639*.
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