Sea turtle covered in barnacles rescued by Emirati diver

What began as a routine diving trip turned into a rescue mission for Emirati diver and social media influencer Majid Al Ameri as a sea turtle covered in barnacles and other marine growth approached him. The diving trip ended with the turtle being handed over to the rescue team at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi for treatment before being released back into its natural habitat once recovered.

Al Ameri told Emarat Al Youm that he has been diving for 26 years and holds a specialized search-and-rescue certification. On the day of the incident, he was on a diving trip with his brother and children about seven nautical miles offshore when his brother noticed a turtle approaching their boat in an unusual way.

He said: “As we finished diving, the turtle came close to the boat in the middle of the sea. My brother drew my attention to it. At first, we thought the situation was minor because seeing barnacles and marine growth attached to turtles is not uncommon, and usually cleaning them off is enough if they are not affecting movement.”

A week earlier he had rescued a turtle trapped due to low tide and returned it to the sea, which made him think this turtle could be helped in the same way.

“We tried removing the barnacles and marine growth attached to its shell and cleared what was stuck underneath, but it still could not swim. That was when we realized it needed a specialized team,” Al Ameri said.

He contacted the rescue team at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and received a response within minutes. The team coordinated with him and arranged a meeting point to take custody of the turtle.

Al Ameri added that the team explained the turtle would undergo examinations and treatment at the centre’s veterinary facilities until it regained its ability to swim. It would then be released during the appropriate season at the same location where it was found, helping it return to its natural habitat.

Al Ameri urged fishermen and sea-goers not to ignore injured marine or land animals and instead report them to the relevant authorities rather than attempting to handle them in ways that could worsen their condition. He stressed that a quick response can save an animal’s life.

He added that Abu Dhabi’s waters are home to a rich variety of marine life and that it is rare for him to go on a trip without seeing turtles, dolphins, or other marine animals, many of which are protected species.

Al Ameri said that rescuing wildlife has become a regular part of his marine trips. He has assisted injured birds, turtles, and other marine animals in coordination with the relevant authorities during diving and boating trips. He emphasized that protecting wildlife is a shared responsibility and not limited to sea turtles alone.

He noted that environmental regulations have helped preserve natural ecosystems by regulating marine activities and prohibiting practices that could harm wildlife. He also highlighted restrictions on the use of jet skis in certain areas to protect marine life, as well as limits on harmful nets and fishing lines, which help make the marine environment safer.