A difficult rescue operation saw members of the KZN Stranding Network, NSRI rescue swimmers, and other organisations come together to help rescue two large Green sea turtles that had been accidentally trapped during a construction job at the uMzimkhulu River.
uMzimkhulu River, South Africa (25 September 2025) – All hands were on deck to come to the aid of two large sea turtles over the weekend. The massive creatures had been spotted in a cordoned-off section of the uMzimkhulu River, where construction workers working on a nearby bridge had adjusted the river mouth in order to carry out their work. Unbeknownst to them, they had trapped two beautiful, mature Green sea turtles in the process.
According to the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), the KZN Stranding Network partners and NSRI rescue swimmers were all alerted to the situation, prompting a rather unusual turtle rescue mission.
“As one can imagine, attempting to catch large, healthy green turtles in an extensive body of water with minimal visibility was not an easy task.
“The rescue operation was well planned and very successfully executed. The female turtle was released immediately, and the male, who weighs almost 110kg, was transported to uShaka Sea World for observation, DNA sampling, and satellite tagging before he is released,” SAAMBR said.
The rescue offered the rare opportunity to track male sea turtles as they never come ashore, unlike mature females, who nest on beaches.
“This is an incredible opportunity to learn more about the oceanic movements of a male Green sea turtle.”
This initially intimidating but ultimately successful turtle rescue, involving responsible contractors and advocates for marine welfare, demonstrates that by working together, anything is possible!
Special thanks go to the team from NSRI Port Edward, Andy Coetzee, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Geremy Cliff, Tanya Nadauld, breath-hold divers and residents.
Sources: SAAMBR | NSRI
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