UPDATE: Sea turtle rescued on Karon Beach in Phuket after entanglement in fishing net

A sea turtle rescued on Karon Beach in Phuket after becoming entangled in a discarded fishing net was identified as a green sea turtle and taken to a marine rescue centre for rehabilitation, according to a report published on 13 July 2026.

Officials from the Upper Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center responded after receiving a report from lifeguards that the turtle was trapped in the netting. Lifeguards freed the injured turtle from the net before the animal was transferred for treatment.

An examination found the turtle was a green sea turtle of unknown sex, measuring 68 cm in carapace length and 67 cm in width, and weighing 33 kg. Officials said the turtle was in generally good condition but had sustained an injury to its left front flipper caused by the net.

Veterinarians from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources carried out an initial health assessment before transferring the turtle to the Sireetarn Marine Endangered Animal Rescue Centre for rehabilitation. The veterinary team will continue monitoring and treating the turtle until it has fully recovered, after which it will be released back into its natural habitat in the Andaman Sea.

The rescue was also shared in a video posted on Facebook by user Dechapawida Chueanak on 13 July 2026. In the post, Chueanak wrote: “Every life matters,” according to the source report.

The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources said the rescue showed the importance of cooperation between local communities and authorities, with the prompt report by lifeguards allowing officials to respond quickly. The department also reiterated its commitment to reducing marine debris and strengthening rescue systems for rare marine animals.