Benaulim fishermen rescue Olive Ridley Turtle entangled in fishing net

MARGAO: Fishermen of Benaulim celebrated the feast of Sao Pedro by rescuing an Olive Ridley Turtle caught in an abandoned fishing net. 

Customarily on the occasion of the feast, local fishermen and their families attend a mass at Benaulim Church followed by the blessing of the community and their boats at Benaulim beach. 

However, on Wednesday when they reached the beach, the local fishermen found an injured olive Ridley turtle which was entangled and trapped in an abandoned fishing net.

The local fishermen led by Pele Fernandes immediately worked on rescuing the turtle and freeing the turtle from this discarded piece of net. The turtle had suffered some injuries on the side of her body and leg due to the contact with the fishing line.

They then immediately alerted the Forest Department and handed over the turtle to them for the necessary medical treatment for the injuries and its complete recovery process. 

Parish Priest Fr Anthony Rodrigues praised the efforts of the fishermen and said that the actions of the fishermen were keeping up with the spirit of the feast the community was celebrating. 

Pele and other fishermen have rescued turtles in the past as well at Benaulim.