Authorities in Moalboal, Cebu successfully rescued a sea turtle after it was struck by a motorized boat while surfacing for air. Vice Mayor Jinky Hanika reported the incident in a social media post dated Wednesday, August 20, 2025, stating that the marine animal was hit while near the water’s surface.

Further details from a student publication of Cebu Technological University’s Moalboal Campus indicated that the College of Fisheries and Allied Sciences (CFAS) coordinated the response in cooperation with the local Bantay Dagat marine watch group and the Philippine Coast Guard.

The turtle, believed to be over 70 years old, was transported to the Coast Guard Office aboard a pump boat for treatment. Hanika was reportedly present during the rescue operation.

Narciso Cabanag, head of the Bantay Dagat team, explained that the turtle’s shell sustained significant damage after the boat’s propeller made contact. The turtle was located with help from Philippine Coast Guard personnel and volunteer divers.

Following the rescue, experts administered treatment to the wounds to prevent infection and promote healing. The turtle will be observed under close monitoring for one week before authorities consider releasing it back into the wild.