AN exhausted-looking loggerhead turtle, dubbed Finley, was rescued from the water near Mojitos restaurant in Richards Bay on Saturday after being spotted in distress.

The turtle had reportedly been seen about a week earlier near Pelican Island, but disappeared before reappearing on Saturday.

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Bystanders became concerned when Finley was seen hovering in the water for most of Saturday, prompting the owner of Mojitos restaurant to report the sighting to wildlife warrior, Miriam Otto.

Miriam and husband Dr Jurgen Otto, a local veterinarian, retrieved the 41kg turtle from the water, placing her on a stretcher and taking her to Dr Otto’s practice where she was put on a drip.

One of Finley’s flippers is missing, believed to be an old injury.

On Sunday morning, she was transported to uShaka Marine World by Heidi van Zyl for further care.

“Time is of the essence, and if she had been reported one day later, she would have died. That is how close she was,” said Miriam Otto.

“It highlights how important it is to report any wildlife or animal in distress.”

uShaka Sea World veterinarian Dr Francois Lampen expressed concern about the barnacles attached to Finley’s shell, explaining that this is a sign the turtle had not been swimming enough.

Finley is in safe hands with specialists and local marine life lovers hope she makes a full recovery.

Watch Finley been rescued here.

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