Injured sea turtle rescued by couple after storm

Monday 06 November 2023

‘Barnacle Bill’, a washed-up loggerhead sea turtle, has today been rescued by a couple from Chouet days after Storm Ciaran passed through the island.

Bill has now been brought to the care of the GSPCA after Michael and Michaela Le Page found him during a morning walk around the north coast.

“We nearly didn’t see him, but once we realised what he was we picked him up and got him to the GSPCA,” Michael said.

Michaela feared the barnacle-crusted creature may have been dead among the debris, but he thankfully moved after being observed.

Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, believes Bill is a young loggerhead turtle just under a foot long and weighing in at 1.255kg. 

Bill is currently resting with Mr Byrne saying he need to be slowly warmed up over the coming weeks before a release is attempted. 

“It is likely Barnacle Bill got caught in Storm Ciaran as they should be in the warm waters of the mediterranean,” he added.

“We had a loggerhead turtle seven years ago we named Olivia but she was a full grown adult, and also Myrtle the turtle, a green turtle, nearly 20 years ago.”

Pictured: Bill’s heroes – Michael and Michaela Le Page.

The GSPCA itself suffered extensive damage in the storm last week.

“The winds and the storm have sadly caused a lot of damage and our wildlife have really struggled - but we are here 24/7 when needed. Just call 257261 or come to the Animal Shelter in St Andrews,” Mr Byrne said.

“There is £1000’s worth of damage at the Shelter and if anyone would like to donate to the repairs you can do so by calling  01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or ONLINE.”