Sea turtle spotted in Isle of Bute harbour water amid fears over cold water shock

Concerns have been raised for a sea turtle last seen in water at a harbour on the Isle of Bute.

In a video shared with STV News by a local resident, the animal, understood to be a loggerhead, was spotted at the ferry terminal in Rothesay on Sunday.

A local medic from British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) attended, but the turtle was not found and has not been seen since.

Experts have warned that the animal could be in danger from suffering cold water shock due to a change in temperature.

The marine wildlife charity said it is rare that washed-up tropical turtles are found alive, and they need to be returned to warmer sea temperatures to survive.

The turtle has not been seen since its initial sighting. Donna Richmond via Supplied

Members of the public are being urged to report any other sightings of the turtle.

A spokesperson for BDMLR said: “We are seeing non-native sea turtles washing up on UK beaches.

“When they are non-native, they have the added threat of not being well enough adapted to the temperatures of the water, and that can lead to cold water shock, which can then lead to hyperthermia and further stranding.

“It could be due to an injury or illness or climate change.

“If anyone comes across a stranded turtle or a turtle in the water that appears to be struggling, please call us on the hotline number 01825765546.”