Twenty green sea turtles are swimming free again after being rescued from an abandoned boat off the coast of Bali, where suspected smugglers allegedly left them behind before fleeing the scene.
A captivating close-up of a green sea turtle swimming gracefully underwater in its natural habitat / Stephen Leonardi / Pexels / Illustrative purposes only
The turtles were discovered off Serangan Island on 10 October after local residents raised the alarm about suspected wildlife trafficking. When marine police arrived, the people believed to be responsible were gone, leaving 22 protected turtles behind. For the animals, the discovery marked the beginning of a rescue that would see most of them returned to the ocean just days later.
20 turtles released back into the wild
Authorities secured the turtles and the abandoned boat before working with Bali’s Natural Resources Conservation Agency to ensure the animals received appropriate care. The turtles were taken to a conservation centre on Serangan Island for health checks. Twenty were cleared for release and returned to the sea on Tuesday, 13 October.
The remaining two turtles were still unwell and required further treatment before they could safely return to the wild, according to reports by the Associated Press. Although the release was a positive outcome for the rescued animals, the investigation into the suspected smuggling attempt is ongoing. Police are still pursuing the person believed to be responsible.
Protecting Bali’s marine wildlife
Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are protected under Indonesian law, yet illegal capture and trade remain threats to their survival. Bali has long faced challenges with sea turtle trafficking. In June 2026, authorities on the island also disrupted an alleged illegal trade involving 21 protected green sea turtles, highlighting the continued pressure these animals face.
In this latest case, information from local residents helped authorities identify suspicious activity and intervene. Their actions played an important role in getting the turtles into the care they needed. For the 20 turtles already returned to the ocean, the rescue has given them another chance in the wild. The two still receiving treatment remain in care as authorities continue their investigation into the suspected smuggling attempt.
Source (People.com)
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