I would like to commend Northern Beaches lifeguards, David Hooper and Tiaan Cronje, who on the 17th March this year, rescued an endangered leatherback turtle a kilometre off the coast of Dee Why Beach.
Alerted by The Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans [ORRCA] about an entangled marine creature, lifeguards Hooper and Cronje wasted no time reaching the distressed turtle, which was ensnared in a loose shark net. Launching into action, the two men freed the turtle after around 20 minutes of work, releasing it back into the ocean. Their swift and professional action saved this amazing animal, which was later estimated to be almost 100 years old. Thank you David and Tiaan for your courage and care for our local wildlife.
14 May 2024