A team of four British rowers has rescued a dying turtle stuck in a fishing net in the middle of the Atlantic.
Kim Tolfrey, Sally Crabb, Nathaniel Rothwell, and Harry Poulson were on an epic journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua.
The Oars of Thunder crew had rowed around 2,000 miles when they came across the weakened sea reptile trapped in discarded netting.
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The rowers from Looe Rowing Club, in Looe Cornwall have been battling the elements from scorching sunshine to stormy seas in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Rowing Challenge.
They are now over halfway across the Atlantic Ocean and are currently in first place in the mixed category in what is called the World’s Toughest Row.
Nathaniel, who is a volunteer for the RNLI, said releasing the turtle from its trap was magical, as reported by What’s The Jam.
He said: “The crew did really well to come alongside quickly, it was a bit upsetting to start with, it looked really limp, really weak.
“It had no intention of getting away from us to start but as soon as we started cutting the lines free from her, she picked up strength, gave a big gasp of air, and swam away really strongly.
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“It was probably one of the most rewarding things that I have been able to do so not the encounter I wanted but I was very, very privileged to have been a part of that.”
A crew spokesperson added: “Amid this beauty, the impact of human activity sometimes casts its shadow.
“This moment isn’t just about us – it’s about what this race embodies: endurance, teamwork, and deep care for our planet.
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“We’ll carry this memory as one of the most meaningful moments of our adventure.
“Here’s to protecting what we love – stroke by stroke.”
Thirty-eight ocean rowing boats with 110 rowers, representing 21 nations, left the Canary Isle of La Gomera, on December 11 heading for Antigua in the Caribbean.
The Oars of Thunder are raising money for the RNLI Oars Of Thunder row across the Atlantic for RNLI, organized by Kim Tolfrey.
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