An Unexpected Visitor
In an unexpected turn of events, the port of Algeciras became the scene of an exciting rescue story. A loggerhead turtle, imposing in its size, found itself in distress in berthing area 2, an area usually reserved for ferry arrivals from Tangiers. This incident not only caught the attention of the port workers but also triggered a race against the clock to save this unexpected visitor.
The Rescue Operation
The rescue task was not an easy one. Thanks to the skill and commitment of the Ecolmare team, a specialised boat was launched to the rescue. Armed with nothing more than a shovel and unwavering determination, they managed to save the turtle, but not without considerable challenges. The turtle, sighted early on but inaccessible until the afternoon, was eventually recovered, showing signs of exhaustion and dehydration, as well as visible damage to its shell.
Recovery
After the successful rescue, the turtle was handed over to the care of Cegma de Algeciras, an institution dedicated to the protection and recovery of marine life. This centre has been a beacon of hope for many species, returning 13 loggerhead turtles to the sea during the last year, out of a total of 244 animals cared for. The visit of the Councillor for Sustainability, Environment and Blue Economy, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, to the Cegma on the same day underlines the importance of marine conservation and the community's commitment to these efforts.
Conclusions and Reflections
This story is not only a testament to the resilience of nature, but also to human solidarity and ingenuity in the face of conservation challenges. The loggerhead turtle, now in the process of recovery, symbolises hope and the success of joint efforts to protect our marine biodiversity. The Algeciras community and the Ecolmare team demonstrate that, with determination and collaboration, it is possible to make a significant difference to the lives of these majestic creatures of the sea.