A distressed turtle has been freed by a group of hero rowers after it got tangled in a fishing net.
Footage showed one man lifting the huge reptile out of the water and placing it on the boat.
He and a fellow sportsman immediately got to work untangling it from the net as it thrashed its flippers around.
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After freeing the turtle’s shell, the men could be seen removing knots from around its neck.
Once freed, the reptile was returned to the water amid whoops and applause from members of the rowing club.
The athletes were rowing from Niterói to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, when they came across the distressed reptile in Guanabara Bay, as reported by Need To Know.
Marney Ribeiro – a member of the Koa Paddle Canoe Club – told local media: “When it reached our part of the canoe, it lifted its head completely and opened its mouth.
“It really felt like it sensed our presence and was trying to ask for help.”
The rowers managed to free the suffering turtle using a knife they had brought along with their breakfast on Sunday (1 Jun).
Selma Lydia Sampaio said: “During a simple outrigger canoe outing, we experienced a moment that will forever stay in our memories and hearts.
“Amid the silence and contemplation of the crossing, we came across a giant sea turtle trapped in a net.
“It was visibly exhausted, fighting for its life. Without hesitation, we stopped everything to help.
“With care, calmness, and teamwork, we managed to free it and watch that majestic creature return to the sea – to its journey, to its freedom. It was emotional.
“Every outing has its purpose, and today ours was clear: to be a bridge between humans and nature.”
The Koa Paddle Canoe club said: “Guanabara Bay has been showing us some truly beautiful scenes lately, with marine animals appearing more often and in greater numbers.
“We need to keep them alive and well. Thank you to the team for helping with this rescue.”
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