Turtle with a dead stingray filled with teritips rescued by the police in Labuan Bajo

A turtle released in captivity at the Labuan Bajo BKKPN office. ANTARA/Ho-Humas Polda NTT.

KUPANG - Personnel from the Directorate of Water and Air Police of the NTT Police rescued a Leatherback Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) which was found to be limp and unable to swim in the waters of Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency.

Director of the Water and Air Police Directorate of the NTT Police, Irwan Deffi Nasution, said the turtle was found in a condition where its body was covered with jellyfish so that it was difficult to move in the water.

"There are many sea turtles found all over his body, from the shell to other body parts," said Irwan in Kupang, Antara, Tuesday, March 10.

He explained that the turtle was first seen floating around the marina port by members of the KP.P Padar patrol boat picket at around 09.40 Wita.

Seeing the condition of the protected animals, the Ditpolairud personnel along with the crew of the tourist ship which was around the location immediately carried out rescue efforts.

At around 09.47 Wita, the turtle was successfully secured and brought onto the patrol boat KP.P Padar XXII-3018 to be cleaned of the barnacles attached to its body.

After the cleaning process, Ditpolairud personnel immediately coordinated with the National Water Conservation Area Office (BKKPN) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) for further handling.

Around 11.30 Wita, a team from BKKPN and WWF arrived at the patrol boat to conduct a health check and measurements on the turtle.

However, because his condition has not shown any improvement, officers and conservation teams decided to take the animal to the BKKPN's care pond in Labuan Bajo.

"For the time being, the turtles are being cared for in the BKKPN's pool until their condition improves. After being declared healthy, the turtles will be released back into their natural habitat," said Irwan.

He emphasized that his party was not only focused on securing the waters, but also played a role in maintaining the sustainability of the marine ecosystem and protected wildlife in the East Nusa Tenggara region.

"We are committed to maintaining the sustainability of the sea and protected animals. If the community finds marine animals in need of help, immediately report to the officers," he said.