Sea Turtle Freed From Fishing Net on Karon Beach
A sea turtle trapped in a fishing net was rescued by lifeguards at Karon Beach in Phuket on July 13, with the injured animal transferred to a marine rescue center for treatment.
PHUKET — On 13 July 2026, a sea turtle was rescued after becoming entangled in a fishing net that washed ashore on Karon Beach in Phuket, with lifeguards freeing the injured animal before it was transferred for treatment.
Facebook user Dechapawida Chueanak shared a video of the rescue on 13 July 2026, writing: "Every life matters, whether human or animal."
The footage showed the turtle trapped in a fishing net that had been carried onto the beach by waves. Lifeguards stationed at Karon Beach worked together to cut away the net and safely free the turtle. A preliminary examination found the animal had suffered an injury to one of its hind flippers.
Officials then contacted the Siritharn Rare Marine Animal Rescue Centre, whose staff took the turtle for treatment and rehabilitation before considering its release back into the wild once it has fully recovered.
The rescue drew widespread praise on social media, with many users thanking the Karon Beach lifeguards and marine officials for saving the protected marine animal.
The incident also renewed calls for greater efforts to reduce marine debris and abandoned fishing nets, which are among the leading causes of injury and death for marine wildlife each year.
