A rare turtle washed ashore in Jersey after Storm Goretti has been flown to Southampton to continue her rehabilitation at a specialist sealife centre… and was caught on camera taking a moment to wave goodbye to the Island before her departure.

Loganair received special dispensation to fly Crush within the passenger cabin on this morning’s flight to Southampton.

Pictured: Kico Iraola, curator from Sealife Centre, Peter Haworth from New Era Vets, and Andrew Farmer from Littlefeet Environmental

She is now due to continue her rehabilitation with specialists at the SeaLife Centre in Weymouth, near Dorset.

Crush washed up in Jersey during the Storm Goretti, having been swept far off-course from her natural habitat. 

WATCH: The moment Crush waved goodbye to Jersey.

Loggerhead turtles typically live in much warmer waters and are rarely found in the Channel Islands, but powerful storms and ocean currents can disorientate them.

This leads to a condition known as ‘cold stunning’, where prolonged exposure to cold water causes their bodies to shut down. 

After being discovered by a member of the public, the weak and malnourished turtle was taken to New Era Veterinary Hospital where she received round-the-clock treatment.

After it was decided that a ferry crossing would cause Crush undue stress and affect her recovery, the New Era team contacted Loganair to see whether the airline could support them in moving the turtle to the next stage of her rehabilitation.

Crush was flown out of Jersey on Tuesday 10 February on the 7.05am flight to Southampton.

Loganair chief commercial officer Ronnie Matheson said: “This was certainly one of the more unusual passengers we’ve welcomed on board, but supporting Crush’s journey was something we were very happy to do.”

Pictured: Gary Phillips, Harrison Tapley, Jessica Bland, Evangelia Neonaki and Claudine Kirk, from Loganair, watch Peter Haworth escort Crush from the Loganair flight from Jersey to Southampton.

Southampton Airport head of airside operations Dan Townsend added: “We’re delighted to support this special journey and play a small part in helping this young turtle get the expert care it needs.

“Our teams work closely with airline partners like Loganair to make sure unique animal movements like this one are handled safely and smoothly, and we’re proud to help facilitate its onward recovery.”

The cold-stunned turtle will be moved into a 2,000-litre facility in the SeaLife Centre, where she will spend several weeks in quarantine alongside another rescued turtle.

WATCH: Crush was excited to arrive at the tank at her new temporary home.

It is hoped that Crush can be released back into the wild this spring.