A loggerhead turtle that washed up in Guernsey during Storm Ciarán almost two years ago has been successfully released back into the wild near the Azores.
The young female turtle – nicknamed ‘Barnacle Bill’ due to the number of arthropods attached to her – was found washed ashore at Chouet in November 2023 and taken in by the GSPCA.
Barnacle Bill’s repatriation to the wild was initially delayed due to significant paperwork hurdles, in part caused by Brexit-related complications – despite a Guernsey resident offering a private jet to transport her.
The GSPCA eventually worked with Sea Life Brighton and Condor Ferries to transfer her to their new rehabilitation centre.
During her time at the GSPCA and Sea Life Brighton, Barnacle Bill gained a significant amount of weight – growing from just 700g when she was first rescued to over 13kg now.
In Brighton, she was further prepared for release by simulating natural conditions and limiting human contact.
GSPCA manager Steve Byrne, who helped care for Barnacle Bill during her prolonged stay said in the Channel Islands, said it was “amazing news” that the turtle is finally returning to the wild.
“Barnacle Bill is ready to return to her natural habitat near the Azores, where she will have the chance to thrive in the wild and is currently on route to Horta,” he said.
Loggerhead turtles are listed as a vulnerable species, facing threats such as habitat loss and accidental capture in fishing nets.
With lifespans of between 50 and 80 years, they live long lives in the wild – if they manage to avoid many of the human-caused threats.
Mr Byrne added: “If people find turtles stranded on beaches, it would be almost a death sentence for that turtle to return them to the sea. Always contact a rescue team instead.”