Dubai Police rescue endangered sea turtle entangled in fishing gear

Dubai: In a heartwarming act of compassion and swift response, Dubai Police’s Marine Rescue Unit successfully saved a distressed sea turtle that was found entangled in thick fishing lines with a metal hook lodged deep inside its body.

The rescue effort, widely praised by environmental authorities and the public, highlighted the team’s commitment to marine life protection.

Major Marwan Al Kaabi, Head of the Maritime Rescue Unit at Dubai Police, told Gulf News that his team works round-the-clock and frequently responds to similar emergencies. “This is part of our ongoing efforts to preserve marine life and respond quickly to environmental incidents,” he said.

The incident began when a beachgoer noticed the struggling turtle, trapped and unable to move, and immediately alerted the Dubai Police operations centre.

A marine rescue team was promptly dispatched. Upon arrival, they found the turtle severely entangled in strong fishing ropes that had restricted its movement and threatened its survival.

A rescue diver entered the water and carefully freed the turtle from the ropes. However, further inspection revealed a more serious issue — part of the fishing line extended into the turtle’s mouth. X-rays later showed a metal hook embedded in its stomach.

Recognising the need for urgent medical attention, the team transported the turtle to a veterinary clinic. Due to the complexity of the injury, Dubai Municipality took over its care, ensuring the animal received specialised surgery to remove the hook and improve its chances of survival.

Major Al Kaabi praised the quick-thinking beachgoer for reporting the incident and commended the rescue team for their professionalism and compassion. He reaffirmed that protecting marine life remains a key priority for Dubai Police, in collaboration with environmental authorities across the emirate.