What was supposed to be a fun adventure into the False Bay waters became a lifesaving mission the moment a team of divers spotted a struggling hawksbill turtle in desperate need of a human hand.
False Bay, South Africa (05 January 2026) – Every successful rescue begins with a heart that cares and eyes vigilant enough to see what others might miss. This couldn’t be truer when a group of divers spotted a struggling hawksbill turtle and, without a second thought, moved in to help.
In that moment, everything slowed down. The members of the False Bay Underwater Club put all they had previously learnt about turtle conservation and rescues to use. Working together, they swam straight into action, called the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation Turtle Rescue Hotline and followed expert guidance to get the turtle to safety.
“We contacted the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation Turtle Conservation Centre, followed their guidance, and carefully brought her in,” a member of the False Bay Underwater Club shares.
A video post captured the shelled creature’s careful rescue before she was taken to the Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre, where she was received by a trusted veterinarian, Dr Bernice, who has been closely monitoring her progress.
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“Despite the deep wound in her right forearm, the turtle is quite strong and has a great appetite. She is now on a course of antibiotics and pain treatment (and she’s had a few cleans to get the algae off her shell!),” reports the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
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Thanks to the quick thinking of the False Bay Underwater divers and compassionate bystanders, a hawksbill turtle, whose pain had long gone unknown and unnoticed, is now recovering.
“This early stabilising period is tenuous, but our Turtle Conservation Centre team is cautiously optimistic that this little hawksbill turtle will make it through. We are so grateful for community efforts like this – thank you to @falsebayunderwater and everyone who helped get this precious patient to safety,” the Foundation adds.
The internet has praised the moving rescue, thanking every proactive person who played a part in saving a life in quiet distress.
It truly took a community to give this girl a fighting chance. Remember, if you find a sea turtle in distress, call 083 300 1663.
Sources: Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation | False Bay Underwater Club
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