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A juvenile Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) was recently found stranded alive near Overton, Gower by Simon Clapham from Llanelli who was out fishing with his father Jeff. Simon said "the turtle was found stranded on rocks Sun morning 16th August.

The little chap was caught in amongst a rock crevice. At first we thought the little guy was a tortoise and dead! But when I lifted it up, his front flippers started paddling well.

We placed him back into the water and he slowly swam off. Unfortunately he was pushed back by the swells but then in a lull between wave sets, he dived under and was gone.

We kept looking around the area for the next hour or so but did not see him or any of his buddies again. 'A job well done' we thought to ourselves"

However, Marine biologist Judith Oakley of the City and County of Swansea Nature Conservation Team and Oakley Intertidal is urging the public to follow strict guidelines if they find a live stranded turtle.

She said "Although Simon thought that he was helping the turtle, most people don't realise that they should not be returned to the sea as our cold waters usually lead to their death.

Prompt action can help to save them. Turtles may sometimes appear dead as due to our cold water temperature, the turtle's metabolism slows right down.

The stranded turtle should be reported as soon as possible so that it can be rescued. Marine turtles are protected species in the UK, but no offence is committed if a turtle is helped to ensure its survival."

She added "If you do find an injured or live stranded turtle, please try and follow these guidelines:

Report it as soon as possible to the following organisations: RSPCA on 0300 1234999/08705 555999 and to Rod Penrose of Marine Environmental Monitoring on 01348 875000 (24 hrs).

Alternatively for advice and assistance, contact British Divers Marine Life Rescue hotline on 01825 765546. Please leave details of the stranding or sighting and location, along with your name and contact phone number.

Due to the possible health risks involved in handling turtles, always try to wear rubber gloves and wrap the turtle (avoiding its nostrils) in a t-shirt or towel soaked in seawater.

Place the animal in a sheltered and secure place on its belly. If it is inactive, raise the back end of its shell at 30 degrees to drain the lungs. Wait for help to arrive or listen to the advice given when you report the turtle."

By reporting these strandings you can not only help to save these protected species but you can also help marine scientists increase their knowledge of marine animals which are usually so hard to study in the wild.

Report sightings and strandings of turtles online at https://www.strandings.com/Wales.html and download the UK Turtle Code at www.mcsuk.org

A dedicated email address to receive digital photographs has been created info@strandings.demon.co.uk and a mobile phone has been activated to receive 'phone images' only Tel. No. 07773 592227.

More information on marine turtles can be found on the following websites:

https://www.strandings.com
https://www.euroturtle.org
https://www.euroturtle.org/turtlecode/default.htm
https://www.mcsuk.org/marineworld/adopt-a-turtle/turtle+adoption