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Washed up turtle leaves Guernsey after one year

Chris George Three men sat around a table with the man on the left holding a loggerhead turtle. The turtle, called Barnacle Bill is waving bye with its right fin. Chris George
The GSPCA said its loggerhead turtle called Barnacle Bill had finally left the island

Rescuers say a turtle, named Barnacle Bill, that washed up in Guernsey in November 2023 has finally left the island.

The GSPCA said it had looked after the loggerhead turtle since she washed up on the west coast.

The turtle has been taken to Sea Life Brighton thanks to Condor Ferries, free of charge, and will be transported to "warmer seas" by the Royal Navy.

Manager Steve Byrne said they were "delighted" to announce the turtle had left the island.

Chris George Two men holding a GSPCA wooden box either side. They are putting it into the boot of a vehicle. Chris George
Steve Byrne said Barnacle Bill would be transported to warmer seas by the Royal Navy

He said Sea Life Brighton had "incredible turtle rehab facilities" and the Royal Navy would then "take her to home waters".

Mr Byrne said the turtle has been microchipped and the paperwork submitted for her journey home.

However, he said to move endangered species like loggerhead turtles it required export and import documents.

'Very special passenger'

The charity said it had spent "nearly a year" trying to help her get home following issues with paperwork.

Mr Byrne said when the turtle arrived she was "cold and weak" but she had "quickly improved" and had put on weight and grown in size.

Ian Le Moigne, from Condor Ferries, said "We transport many types of animals on our sailings each year so understand the importance of supporting organisations such as the GSPCA for the work they do in the Island."

He added she was a "very special passenger".

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