Turtle assisted - La Mercy

Brendon Power, NSRI Ballito duty coxswain, said:At 15h02, Sunday, 18 April, NSRI Ballito duty crew were activated following reports from a concerned member of the public of a sea turtle appearing to be in difficulty in the surf zone off-shore near to the La Mercy Lagoon.We dispatched crew to investigate and on arrival on the scene it was established that the turtle was in the surf zone and appearing to be weak and unable to maintain itself and being thrown around in the waves.A local kite surfer went to the turtles aid and rescued the turtle from the surf zone bringing the turtle safely to the shore.NSRI took the turtle into our care.The turtle appeared to be weak with some minor scratches and scrapes.uShaka Marine World were placed on alert and we were informed of a vet at uShaka Marine world standing-by to receive the turtle.The turtle was safely transported to uShaka Marine World by our NSRI crew using our sea rescue vehicle and handed into the care of an Ushaka Marine World vet.The turtle will be monitored, cared for and rehabilitated at uShaka Marine World.NSRI commend the kite surfer who rescued the turtle from the surf zone.