ZAMBOANGA CITY – Typhoon “Frank” washed ashore a 66-pound Hawksbill turtle that was rescued and released on the same day the typhoon moved away from the southern Philippines, officials said.
City Mayor Celso Lobregat said the 10-year old sea turtle was stranded on the coast of Baliwasan Saturday as big waves lashed this southern port city.
Fisherman Omar Shariff Unggayu spotted the stranded turtle on Saturday morning as it was being lashed by giant waves and floating debris, prompting him to rescue it.
The Hawksbill measuring 64 x 55 centimeters was turned over to the local office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) where it was declared to be in good condition.
A metal tag with serial number PH-0655A was clipped to its forelimb for identification and was immediately released by Lobregat and the DENR personnel Saturday at the coastal park of Paseo del Mar, near the historical Fort Pilar.
Lobregat gave the turtle the nickname “Frank,” after the tropical storm that washed it ashore and battered the city.
“I hope Frank does not come back on shore again just like its namesake typhoon Frank,” Lobregat said.
Frank was the fourth sea turtle to be rescued and released in two months’ time as the city continued its advocacy in protecting endangered marine species.