Rescue turtle stranded for years due to Brexit finally heads home

A rescue turtle trapped in limbo for nearly two years due to Brexit is finally heading home. The loggerhead turtle, affectionately known as 'Barnacle Bill', was taken in by the Guernsey Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) after Storm Ciarán hit back in November 2023.

The GSPCA team are now thrilled that she will finally be returning to the wild near the Azores - following two years of delays in sending her home due to 'difficult' paperwork complications and Brexit. GSPCA manager Steve Byrne expressed his joy at the latest development, saying: "To get the news Barnacle Bill is finally on route to warm waters to be released is such amazing news.

"We've been told she now weighs over 13kg compared to under 1kg when we rescued her, which means Barnacle Bill is ready to return to her natural habitat near the Azores, where she will have the chance to thrive in the wild and is currently on route to Horta."

• Devastated family's warning after dad, 40, dies on Jet2 flight next to his sons
• Met Office warns Brits living in 15 places to prepare 'emergency' kit

The young female turtle, from Gran Canaria, had to be nursed back to health after being found washed ashore in Guernsey covered in barnacles and weighing less than one kilogram. When she was taken in by the GSPCA, she was only the second loggerhead turtle ever recorded in Guernsey.

But despite their best efforts to repatriate her to warmer waters, Brexit-related complications surrounding Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species health certificates made it impossible to transport her abroad.

Even with a local islander generously offering a private jet and their time free of charge, the paperwork hurdles proved "insurmountable", explained the wildlife team.

After 14 months of care and with no confirmed date from the Navy, the GSPCA worked closely with Sea Life Brighton, which had just opened its new sea turtle rehabilitation and repatriation centre. A swift turnaround in health certification between Guernsey and the UK then meant Barnacle Bill was successfully transferred in December 2024 - with the support of Condor Ferries.

Over recent months, Sea Life Brighton has meticulously prepared Barnacle Bill for release - recreating natural conditions including waves and rain, restricting human contact, and encouraging her to hunt for food. Sea Life Brighton curator Joe Williams recently said: "Getting to put her in the water - going back off to hopefully live a long, healthy life - I'm sure will be emotional."

Comparable problems also affected numerous other UK-rescued turtles, some of whom were later helped by the Royal Navy in autumn 2024. Loggerhead turtles are classified as a vulnerable species by the World Wildlife Fund, with threats including habitat loss due to tourism and accidental capture in fishing gear.

Joe revealed that turtles frequently wind up in UK waters due to human-led activities such as marine pollution and climate change - but emphasised that the British Isles are far too cold for them to survive, even in summer. Steve warned: "If people find turtles stranded on beaches, it would be almost a death sentence for that turtle to return them to the sea. Always contact a rescue team instead. This recent stormy weather could easily wash turtles in to our shores if in the area so keep an eye out."

He further added: "Barnacle Bill's story is a testament to the power of collaboration, compassion, and determination. The GSPCA extends heartfelt thanks to all who played a role in her recovery and journey home."

For more information on how you can support the GSPCA visit: https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal.