Three loggerhead sea turtles have washed up on a British coast, thousands of miles from the warm Mediterranean waters where they normally live.
Experts believe rough seas knocked them off course after recent storms, causing them to run aground in Dorset, Cornwall and Kent.
Because loggerhead turtles are cold-blooded and unable to regulate their body temperature, they may suffer from hypothermia in British waters.
Image: Val Fogarty/Sarah Hodgson
Image: Val Fogarty/Sarah Hodgson
Susan Tierney, of British Divers Marine Life Rescue, told Sky News: “We are seeing turtles being washed ashore by storms and rough seas, and they end up in British waters that are too cold for them.
“They often suffer from hypothermia, dehydration and sometimes starvation.
“Some well-meaning people tried to resurface one of the turtles, but it wasn’t the best thing to do.
“We need to find them and take them to specialists who can gradually raise their body temperature.”
She fears more turtles may become stranded in the coming days.
One of three sea turtles found on the south coast of England.Image: Val Fogarty/Sarah Hodgson
A loggerhead turtle in Kent was refloated into the sea by a kind-hearted member of the public and may have died as a result.
Neither of the other two turtles survived.
Anyone who sees a turtle should call British Divers Marine Life Rescue immediately for support, take a photo so the species can be identified, and place the turtle on a dry towel to help maintain its body temperature.
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