The wind was fierce that March afternoon off the coast of Malta, the sea whipped into whitecaps. As a kite surfer skimmed across the waves, something odd caught his eye — a long stick drifting in the water, moving in a strangely purposeful way.
He slowed, squinting through the spray. Then he saw it — the “stick” wasn’t just debris. Something was attached to it.
The surfer quickly called Wildlife Rescue Team Malta, reporting what he thought might be an animal in trouble. Within minutes, rescuers Lisa and Liz were battling the rough seas, trying to reach the mysterious object. But the wind and waves were too strong. They radioed for help, and Civil Protection Malta dispatched a rescue boat.
When the boat crew finally reached the spot, the truth became heartbreakingly clear. A sea turtle — later named Belle — was tangled in a mass of plastic, one end tied tightly to the drifting stick.
The team gently lifted Belle aboard, careful not to worsen her wounds, and brought her to Lisa and Liz waiting onshore. The women worked quickly, freeing the turtle from the last stubborn bits of plastic and examining her flippers for damage.
“Thankfully, the entanglement wasn’t extremely tight and hadn’t caused deep cuts or loss of circulation,” a Wildlife Rescue Team Malta spokesperson told The Dodo.
Belle was transported to a rescue center, where she received treatment for her small injuries and time to regain her strength. Two months later, when the Mediterranean waters had warmed, rescuers brought her back to the shore — and set her free.
As the waves carried her home, Belle disappeared beneath the surface with one powerful stroke.
The rescue team hopes her story will remind people how deeply our actions affect the ocean’s wild inhabitants.
“It’s so important to dispose of rubbish responsibly,” the organization said. “When you’re out at sea or at the beach, always make sure you leave nothing behind.”
Because for creatures like Belle, one forgotten piece of plastic can mean the difference between life and death — and one kind stranger can mean a second chance.
