HMCS Calgary saves sea turtle

S1 Michael Sladic, a Boatswain aboard HMCS Calgary, untangles a sea turtle caught in fishing nets and garbage. Photo by Cpl Lynette Ai Dang, Imagery Technician

S1 Michael Sladic, a Boatswain aboard HMCS Calgary, untangles a sea turtle caught in fishing nets and garbage. Photo by Cpl Lynette Ai Dang, Imagery Technician

Capt Jeff Klassen
HMCS Calgary PAO
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Sailors from HMCS Calgary rescued a sea turtle in distress while on counter-smuggling patrols off the coast of Oman May 4.

The turtle was spotted by the ship’s Navigating Officer, Lieutenant (Navy) Evan Park, struggling helplessly in netting and other debris.

He sought approval from Commander Mark O’Donohue, ship’s commanding officer, to dispatch a small boat team.

“It’s unfortunate, but we often see debris of this type at sea. I have made it a habit when on watch to take a closer inspection to see if sea life is in danger, when it’s safe for the ship to do so,” said Lt(N) Park.

Two boatswains from the small boat team spent 15 minutes delicately cutting the tangled mess of lines that had wrapped around the sea turtle’s body. Once freed, the turtle swam off to join other sea turtles that were circling the floating debris along with a large school of yellow tuna.

“It must have been out there for days. The nets had wrapped around it in many different places and had made little impressions in its skin,” said Sailor First Class (S1) Michael Sladic, who, along with S1 Coree Ranville, set the turtle free.

Saving sea creatures in distress is not a mandate of Canadian warships but it is sometimes done.

Calgary is currently deployed on Operation Artemis, patrolling Middle Eastern waters in order to conduct counter-smuggling operations. The purpose of the mission is to seize narcotics and other illicit goods that are used to fund regional terrorist and criminal organizations. This work is done as part of Combined Task Force 150, a subsection of the multinational Combined Maritime Forces. Calgary has had several busts on its current operation, including the seizure of 1,286 kg of heroin – the largest heroin bust in Combined Maritime Forces history.

“In the navy, I’m driven towards the operational side of things, and the counter-smuggling work we are doing out here is awesome. That said, saving the sea turtle was something special. It was great seeing the crew get passionate about this, to see everyone rush to the upper decks. It’s a career highlight for sure,” said Lt(N) Park.

Calgary is deployed on Operation Artemis from April 15 until mid-June. On completion, it will sail to Australia and participate in Exercise Talisman-Sabre 21 with the United States, Australia, and other partners.

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