Surfers come to turtle's rescue

Keith Williams from Ballina Sea Rescue with the turtle that was rescued from Frazers Reef beach at Iluka on Sunday.

THE prognosis for a green sea turtle found floating at Iluka's Frazers Reef beach on Sunday looked positive yesterday.

Just before noon on Sunday people participating in the Iluka Board Riders event at the beach spotted the floating turtle and raised the alarm.

Bystander Anja Light said the turtle, covered in barnacles, seemed weak and malnourished.

"It had floundered, it was being washed against its will towards the shore and it was the middle of the day," she said.

After initially trying to guide the turtle back out to sea, Ms Light said several people, led by Iluka woman Mandy Pashen, caught and comforted the reptile before calling local National Parks ranger Ken Evans.

Mr Evans then contacted Australian Seabird Rescue and took the turtle there.

Australian Seabird Rescue acting general manager Keith Williams said the approximately 12-year-old male turtle was in better heath than many of the animals they see, but still wasn't eating.

With plastic bags not showing up on x-rays, Mr Williams said it was now a matter of encouraging the animal to eat so it could pass any intestinal obstruction.

"Around about 40% of the turtles we see have ingested a plastic bag," he said.

Mr Williams said turtles found near the beach were ill.

In such instances call the Australian Seabird Rescue on 0428 862 852.