Turtle found dead on Kimmeridge beach following storms

The juvenile loggerhead turtle washed up on Kimmeridge on April 9 in the afternoon.

It was discovered by a member of the public following the stormy weather and its body was transferred into the care of Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Juvenile loggerhead turtle found at Kimmeridge (Image: Val Fogarty & Sarah Hodgson)

It was subsequently taken to the Wild Seas Centre to determine whether it was suffering from cold shock - a condition which can ultimately be life-threatening.

Unfortunately, the turtle did not survive and the case was reported to the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP)

A spokesperson for The Dorset Wildlife Trust said: "We had a sad find at Kimmeridge yesterday afternoon.

"A juvenile loggerhead turtle was discovered by a member of the public washed up on the beach following the stormy weather. It’s not that common to see these animals along the Dorset coast but they do occasionally turn up, usually when they get pushed off course in rough seas.

The turtle was taken to Wild Seas Centre to check whether it was suffering from cold shock (Image: Val Fogarty & Sarah Hodgson)

"We took it to the Wild Seas Centre to check whether it was suffering from cold shock. As most species of turtle are cold-blooded, they are not able to regulate their temperature so if they stray into cooler waters, they can become cold-stunned which will only get worse the longer they are exposed to the lower temperatures and can ultimately be life-threatening.

"Unfortunately, this one hadn’t survived and has been reported to the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP)."

If you ever encounter a live turtle in the UK, contact the British Divers Marine Life Rescue immediately on 01825 765546, follow the Turtle Code and never put a live turtle back into the sea.

A spokesperson for the British Divers Marine Life Rescue added: "Over the last week, three turtles have been found on the English south coast. Recent storms and rough seas have likely pushed them off course.

"Unfortunately, the turtle found in Kent was re-floated back into the sea by well-meaning members of the public. Please, do not send them back into the sea. They will likely be hypothermic and need attention."