Whyalla takes Tina Turtle to city limits

LSMT Chris Spiro holds the rescued Tina Turtle during HMAS Whyalla’s patrol north of Bathurst Island.

By MIDN Stephen Blume

Tina the turtle had a lucky escape after recently being rescued by the crew of HMAS Whyalla (LCDR Tim Byles) while on patrol north of Bathurst Island.

At first, the sick Olive Ridley sea turtle was nicknamed Trevor by the ship’s company, who were unaware that he was actually a she.

Tina was first spotted floating on the surface of the water during a routine boarding of a foreign fishing vessel.

Thinking it might be a fishing float, LSMT Chris Spiro was sent out to investigate. He noticed at the time that Tina was floating on surface of the water and was “not looking too healthy”.

He picked up Tina and brought her onboard Whyalla.

After a quick call to the Marine Parks and Rescue Association, Tina was believed to be suffering from a rare floatation disease, which prevented her from submerging and would eventually prove fatal.

Placed in an upturned lombardini cover, Tina started to look better, while the ship’s company kept a keen eye on her progress.

She remained a guest on Whyalla until she berthed in Darwin on October 23, where Tina was handed over to Ray Chatto from the Marine Parks and Rescue Association for treatment.

Mr Chatto was amazed that such a rare species of turtle lived in the area and was very grateful to the ship’s company for assisting in her rescue.

He promised to keep the ship’s company informed of Tina’s progress over the next few weeks.

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