05/06/2025
🌊🐢 Rescue Adventure: Injured Sea Turtle at Bundagen Headland 🐢🌊
Rescues are rarely straightforward—and this one truly tested our determination!
Earlier this week, a call came through to the ORRCA rescue line from a concerned member of the public who had discovered an injured sea turtle on the remote Bundagen Beach. ORRCA immediately contacted us at CCWS, and our mission began.
Little did we know the journey ahead would involve some serious teamwork, creative problem-solving, and a whole lot of heart.
Several members of the public had already rallied together at the scene. They stayed with the turtle for hours, shielding and monitoring it, and doing everything they could to keep it safe until help arrived. One had even built a shelter out of driftwood to provide protection from the sun.
Quickly realising the location was incredibly hard to access. There were two possible routes: a long, steep walking track or a road accessible only during low tide—which was fast approaching high. Waiting another three hours wasn’t an option.
So, the walking track it was. With a trolley, some sn**ch straps, a turtle harness, and a determined crew of rescuers, we set off. The trek involved a 1 km hike through bushland, a drop down a 1-metre sand dune, and another 100m walk along the beach.
There we found the turtle—now nicknamed “Nemo”—who had sustained a head injury and appeared to have a deformed flipper.
With great care, we secured Nemo onto the trolley and began the slow, steady trek back—up the dunes, through the bush, and finally to the vehicle. Thanks to the incredible effort of our CCWS volunteers and the compassionate members of the public, we got Nemo safely to the car and transported back to CCWS for veterinary assessment.
💚 A massive thank you to everyone involved in this challenging but heartwarming rescue. Your compassion and perseverance ensured Nemo got the care they needed.
