British Rowing Team Rescues Sea Turtle Amid Atlantic Crossing
LISBON, Portugal — A British rowing team competing in one of the world’s most grueling ocean endurance challenges made an unexpected stop to rescue a large sea turtle entangled in a discarded fishing net nearly 900 miles into their Atlantic crossing. The Hampshire-based Call to Earth team, composed of John Hammond, Stacey Rivers, and Emma Wolstenholme, is participating in the World’s Toughest Row, a race spanning more than 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.
While navigating the vast expanse of open water, the crew spotted the distressed turtle caught in marine debris, a stark reminder of the pervasive impact of ocean pollution. They immediately halted their progress and worked together to carefully free the animal from the netting, capturing the rescue on video and sharing it via their Instagram account.
“We’re rowing the Atlantic in support of Blue Marine Foundation and The Ocean Cleanup, to protect the very oceans that carry us forward,” the team wrote in their post. “This is more than a race, it’s a reminder that the ocean needs us.” Their efforts highlight the growing problem of marine debris threatening wildlife and ecosystems worldwide.
The Blue Marine Foundation, a UK-based marine conservation charity, focuses on restoring ocean health through sustainable fishing practices and marine protected areas. Meanwhile, The Ocean Cleanup, an international nonprofit, develops advanced technologies to remove plastic pollution from the oceans and intercept it in rivers before it reaches the sea. Both organizations have been instrumental in raising awareness about ocean pollution and driving global cleanup efforts.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), millions of tons of plastic enter the oceans each year, endangering marine species such as sea turtles, seabirds, and fish. Entanglement in discarded fishing gear, often called “ghost nets,” is a leading cause of injury and death for many marine animals.
The Call to Earth team’s rescue serves as a poignant example of individual action making a difference amid vast environmental challenges. Their journey not only tests human endurance but also brings critical attention to the urgent need for ocean conservation.
The World’s Toughest Row, organized by the Atlantic Rowing Race committee, attracts adventurers from around the globe who brave extreme conditions to raise awareness and funds for various charitable causes. This year’s participants have emphasized environmental themes, underscoring the interconnectedness of human endeavor and natural stewardship.
Marine wildlife rescues during ocean expeditions are rare but impactful moments that underscore the fragility of marine ecosystems. The team’s decision to prioritize the turtle’s safety over race time reflects a growing ethos among adventurers to act as guardians of the environment.
As the Call to Earth crew continues their voyage toward the Caribbean, their story resonates with conservationists and ocean lovers alike, reminding the world that even in the face of immense challenges, compassion and action can ripple across the seas.
For more information on marine debris and conservation efforts, visit the Ocean Cleanup and Blue Marine Foundation websites. The NOAA Marine Debris Program also provides resources on how individuals can help protect marine life.
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