The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources is urgently rescuing an adult hawksbill turtle stranded on Nai Yang Beach, Phuket. The turtle was found with pus in its mouth and a hardened area under the skin at the base of its neck. It was taken for treatment and rehabilitation before being released back into the wild. Tags: [marine conservation, turtle rescue, Phuket, wildlife rehabilitation, hawksbill turtle]
On 12 September 2026, officials from the Upper Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research and Development Center (UACRD) received a report through the forest and sea protection hotline 1362 about a sea turtle stranded on Nai Yang Beach, Sakoo Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket. Sirinath National Park staff initially assisted the turtle before coordinating its transfer to the Sirithan Rare Marine Animal Rescue Center under UACRD for health examination and care.Tags: [sea turtle, rescue operation, Nai Yang Beach, Phuket, wildlife emergency]
A preliminary health examination and diagnosis by veterinarians identified the sea turtle as a mature female hawksbill turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). It has a carapace width of 67 centimeters, length of 66 centimeters, and weighs 33 kilograms. The turtle was found to be underweight (body condition score 2/5) with barnacles and algae attached to its body and shell. Additionally, a hardened area under the skin at the base of its neck and pus inside the mouth were observed, requiring treatment and close monitoring.Tags: [veterinary diagnosis, turtle health, hawksbill turtle, marine wildlife]
Veterinarians conducted a physical examination and initial diagnosis, then placed the hawksbill turtle under recovery at the Sirithan Rare Marine Animal Rescue Center for treatment, health rehabilitation, and continuous monitoring. Officials will periodically assess its physical readiness before deciding to release it back into the wild once it is healthy and robust enough to survive in its natural habitat.Tags: [wildlife rehabilitation, veterinary care, turtle recovery, marine animal rescue]
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources requests public cooperation to report any rare marine animals found stranded, injured, or exhibiting abnormal behavior. Reports can be made via the forest and sea protection hotline 1362, available 24 hours a day, so that officials can promptly provide assistance.Tags: [public cooperation, marine animal rescue, hotline, endangered species]
Information courtesy of the Facebook page of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.Tags: [information source, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, social media]