Abdul Hamid Al-Ansari, a paramedic and influencer from Oman, recently added "sea turtle rescuer" to his list of accomplishments. On July 3, he shared a video of himself and two others saving a loggerhead sea turtle. The turtle was stuck between sharp rocks on the seashore.
A Daring Rescue
As the men tried to lift the large turtle, the tide kept coming in. Water rushed over the turtle's head, risking drowning. After several attempts, the three men managed to lift the massive turtle from the rocks and move it to the shore. As the turtle returned to the ocean, Al-Ansari gently patted its shell goodbye.
The original video has about 800 views. However, copies shared on Instagram and Facebook have reached over 50,000 views. Many users praised the rescue, with one calling it "one lucky turtle."
We're a new kind of news feed.
Regular news is designed to drain you. We're a non-profit built to restore you. Every story we publish is scored for impact, progress, and hope.
Start Your News DetoxAbout Loggerhead Sea Turtles
Loggerhead sea turtles are the largest hard-shelled sea turtles in the world. An adult can weigh between 250 and 400 pounds. This shows how much effort the men put into the rescue.
Only two loggerhead nesting populations have more than 10,000 nesting females each year. These are in Peninsular Florida and the southeastern coast of Oman.
In early June, four fishermen in Florida also rescued an injured green sea turtle. That turtle weighed over 300 pounds.
What to Do If You See a Stranded Turtle
Experts usually advise people to keep a safe distance from wildlife, especially sea turtles, as most are endangered. If you see a sea turtle in trouble, you should call 1-800-SEATURTLE. You can also use the NOAA Fisheries Stranding Contact Page to find 24-hour hotlines for your area.
In extreme, life-or-death situations, wildlife authorities might ask you to help. Always follow their guidance when reporting an injured or distressed sea turtle.
