A rescued loggerhead turtle travelled in the passenger cabin of a regional airliner on Tuesday after it was decided that a ferry crossing would be too stressful for her recovery. The turtle, named Crush, flew from the Channel Islands to Southampton with Loganair, which received special dispensation to carry her aboard.
Rescue during storm
Storm Goretti swept Crush from warmer waters to a Jersey beach in January. A member of the public discovered her weak and malnourished. Loggerhead turtles are rarely found in the Channel Islands.
She received round-the-clock treatment at a veterinary hospital on Jersey. But her fragile condition required careful transport to Sea Life Weymouth aquarium in Dorset for rehabilitation.
Special flight arranged
Loganair stated: "It was decided that a ferry crossing would cause Crush undue stress and affect her recovery." The airline worked closely with veterinary experts to ensure safe travel.
Ronnie Matheson, Loganair's chief commercial officer, said: "This was certainly one of the more unusual passengers we've welcomed on board, but supporting Crush's journey was something we were very happy to do." He emphasized that Crush "could travel as calmly and comfortably as possible, whilst ensuring the safety of all of our passengers and colleagues."
Staff carried Crush onto the flight in a box. She will now undergo rehabilitation at the Dorset aquarium.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
