Cleaning up for the sea turtles
Crew members from RFA Argus have been on a mission to help save the lives of endangered sea turtles in the Caribbean
For the last 200 years, as humans, we have tipped the scales against the survival of the sea turtle. In a sad fate for these ancient mariners, an increasing amount of plastic is washing up on beaches, making these already endangered animals more vulnerable. The turtles are known to get trapped in the waste and it makes their nesting sites unlivable.
During a routine deployment to the Caribbean, the crew of RFA Argus began a cleanup operation on the beaches in Curaçao to clear waste strewn across the turtle's habitats.
The crew were particularly shocked to see the sheer amount of plastic that was washed up. In an attempt to bring the beach back to life the volunteers began the cleanup.
In the hot sun, the team conducted a beach clean. They removed as much waste as possible, especially any large nets or items that can trap turtles. With the help of the Curaçao Turtle Sanctuary, the team were also shown how to identify and sort plastic waste that can be recycled.
“We were all tired at the end of the clean but it was rewarding too. It was good to assist with conservation of the local environment and it made me think about the plastic I use — even the straw in my next drink.
“We did what we could, but I will remember the sad state of that beach forever.”
— Lt Annie Sykes, 845 Naval Air Squadron
Following the beach clean the group of volunteers helped the Turtle Sanctuary fill up containers of fresh seawater. This was ferried to a local vet’s where several injured or vulnerable turtles are being nursed back to health for release back into the wild.
After all their hard work some of the volunteers got the privilege of meeting some of these endangered turtles and what an amazing experience it was for them.
The work took place alongside regular local volunteers. Although Curaçao has been declared COVID free after a very small number of cases were resolved, care was still taken to adhere to social distancing measures in this joint work.
After the stop in Curaçao, RFA Argus is now back out at sea continuing work with the Royal Navy task group in the region, which is centred around the support ship and HMS Medway.
The task group is in the Caribbean during hurricane season, but also to contribute to maritime security and counter illegal trafficking operations.
