Haifa lifeguards rescued a sea turtle that was caught in fishing line and is being rehabilitated in a fishing net – watch

(Live Here) – Sea Turtle Rescue: Three lifeguards from the Haifa Municipality Coastal Department noticed a large sea turtle entangled in fishing line wrapped around one of its legs on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in the area of ​​the Institute for Marine and Lake Research. With the assistance of researchers from the University of Haifa, they were able to rescue the turtle from the water, and after coordinating with the Nature and Parks Authority, it was transferred to the National Sea Turtle Rescue Center in Mikhomoret for treatment.

Integrated rescue operation on Haifa beach

The three rescuers who noticed the injured turtle were joined by Prof. Roy Diamant, head of a laboratory at the School of Marine Sciences at the University of Haifa, and his student Ron Banjo, after they noticed that the rescuers were trying to rescue the turtle. Together, in cooperation, they managed to get the turtle out of the water. Upon arrival at the beach, immediate contact was made with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority hotline, and within half an hour, the marine unit inspector, Ilya Baskin, arrived on the scene, collected the sea turtle and transferred it to the National Sea Turtle Rescue Center in Mikhomoret for treatment. The rescue team decided to name the turtle "Flute", after one of the rescuers who helped rescue it.

The hazard of abandoned equipment at sea: "Not surprising at all"

Prof. Diamant explained that the phenomenon of abandoned fishing gear in the Haifa coastal area is not new. "We are in this area a lot and do quite a bit of free diving and snorkeling here," he said. "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 abandoned gear." The director of the Haifa Municipality's Coastal Department, Rita Sassi, praised the lifeguards' vigilance and professionalism, saying: "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 vigilance, sensitivity and quick response that the lifeguards demonstrated apparently prevented serious harm to the sea turtle, and I am proud of them for their work."

The turtle "Flute" is undergoing rehabilitation at the rescue center in Michmoret

An initial examination at the rescue center found that it was an adult brown sea turtle, weighing 33 kilograms, strong and active, that arrived with its left front limb entangled in fishing line. Dr. Yaniv Levy, director of the National Center for Sea Turtle Rescue, and the center's team took the turtle in for initial treatment. "The sea turtle's limb is in a state of necrosis and an X-ray showed that it is not broken," explained Dr. Levy. "The sea turtle is expected to undergo a lengthy rehabilitation process. We hope that we will be able to save the damaged limb, so that we can return the sea turtle back to nature healthy and strong." Khalil received supportive care with fluids and medications and will spend the next few days in a holding tank in an intensive care unit.