Royal Navy crew rescues six tropical turtles that washed up on UK beaches during Atlantic storm and releases them back into the wild

Six tropical turtles rescued after washing up on our shores in an Atlantic storm have been released back into the wild by a Royal Navy warship crew.

On its way to the Caribbean, HMS Medway took the loggerheads to the Azores.

The turtles – found on beaches in Cornwall, Devon and North Wales – had all been ‘cold-stunned’ by the chilly British waters and were close to dying. 

They were nursed back to health over 20 months at Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium and Anglesey Sea Zoo.

Rod Jones, an environmental adviser with the Royal Navy, said: ‘Encountering marine wildlife is one of the great joys of seafaring and if we can assist, even in a small way, we are pleased to.’

The turtles – found on beaches in Cornwall, Devon and North Wales – had all been ‘cold-stunned’ by the chilly British waters

The creatures were nursed back to health at Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium and Anglesey Sea Zoo before being repatriated by crew on HMS Medway near the Azores

It is believed the creatures would have died if they had not been found washed up and rescued.

Two of the turtles, named Jason and Perran, were found at Perranporth, Cornwall, Gordon was discovered at Bude in Cornwall, Hayle was found in Hayle, Cornwall, Holly on Putsborough Beach, Devon, and Tonni was rescued at Moel-y-Don beach, Anglesey.

Steve Matchett, group curator for Blue Reef Aquarium, said: ‘All the turtles arrived in a weakened state – in many cases we were unsure if they were going to make it overnight.

‘All were dehydrated and emaciated. This is due to being too cold for a long period and being unable to feed/function properly. They have all prospered once we got them past the initial stages.

‘We are very grateful to the Navy for stepping in to repatriate these rescued turtles.’