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A endangered species of sea turtle – with a distinctive shelly accessory – is being nursed back to health in Guernsey after washing up in the island following Storm Ciarán.
The young loggerhead, which is the type most commonly found in the Mediterranean, was rescued by a couple from Chouet this morning.
Michael and Michaela Le Page had been enjoying a walk around the north coast when they stumbled across the creature, which they promptly took to the GSPCA.
"We nearly didn’t see him, but once we realised what he was we picked him up and got him to the GSPCA,” Michael said.
Michaela feared the barnacle-crusted creature may have been dead among the debris, but he thankfully moved after being observed.
Pictured: Barnacle Bill weighed little over a kilo.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, believes Bill is a young loggerhead turtle just under a foot long and weighing in at 1.255kg.
Bill is currently resting with Mr Byrne saying he need to be slowly warmed up over the coming weeks before a release is attempted.
“It is likely Barnacle Bill got caught in Storm Ciaran as they should be in the warm waters of the mediterranean,” he added.
“We had a loggerhead turtle seven years ago we named Olivia but she was a full grown adult, and also Myrtle the turtle, a green turtle, nearly 20 years ago.”
Pictured: Bill’s heroes – Michael and Michaela Le Page.
Barnacle Bill isn't the only loggerhead to have arrived in island waters recently – however, his tale had a happier ending than one found at L'Etacq in Jersey earlier this year.
The turtle was not moving when it was spotted by a dog walker. The local branch of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) were notified, and leader Donna Gicquel de Gruchy arrived shortly after to inspect the creature.
As Donna explained, sometimes turtles can go into cold water shock in Jersey's waters and may appear lifeless.
The sea creature was shortly after taken to the New Era Veterinary Hospital to confirm whether it was alive. However, vets sadly confirmed that the animal was already deceased.
The GSPCA, where Barnacle Bill is currently residing, suffered extensive damage in the storm last week – thousands of pounds-worth, according to Mr Byrne.
“The winds and the storm have sadly caused a lot of damage and our wildlife have really struggled - but we are here 24/7 when needed," he said, adding: "...If anyone would like to donate to the repairs you can do so by calling 01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online.”
According to the World Wildlife Foundation, loggerhead turtles are classified as 'vulnerable', and each creature tends to weigh 175 to 400 pounds.
The WWF's website adds: "Loggerhead turtles are named for their large heads that support powerful jaw muscles, allowing them to crush hard-shelled prey like clams and sea urchins. They are less likely to be hunted for their meat or shell compared to other sea turtles. Bycatch, the accidental capture of marine animals in fishing gear, is a serious problem for loggerhead turtles because they frequently come in contact with fisheries.
"Loggerheads are the most common turtle in the Mediterranean, nesting on beaches from Greece and Turkey to Israel and Libya. Many of their nesting beaches are under threat from tourism development. Sea turtles are the living representatives of a group of reptiles that has existed on Earth and travelled our seas for the last 100 million years. They are a fundamental link in marine ecosystems and help maintain the health of coral reefs and sea grass beds."
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