Stranded hawkbill turtle released back into sea

MALACCA: The Civil Defence Department (APM) rescued a hawksbill turtle (pix) which was found stranded on the shores of Malacca Island here on Tuesday evening.
The incident came to light after a member of the public, who was fishing nearby, found the turtle in difficulty among some rubbish and rocks.
The turtle is listed as a critically-endangered species.
Central Malacca district civil defence officer Capt Aljibin Suddin said the member of the public alerted the APM.
Four APM personnel arrived at the scene at 5.45pm.
"The turtle was trapped behind some rocks and we believe that it was stranded due to the high tide."
The rescued turtle was released into the sea.
Malacca is reportedly the biggest nesting population in Peninsular Malaysia for the endangered hawksbill turtle, with an average of between 400 and 450 nesting annually.