A rescued loggerhead turtle made an unusual journey after receiving special permission to travel in the passenger cabin of a commercial aircraft.
Regional carrier Loganair announced that it transported the turtle, named Crush, in the passenger cabin on Tuesday’s Jersey–Southampton flight. The decision was taken following veterinary advice that a sea journey could cause unnecessary stress and negatively affect her recovery.
Crush was swept away from her natural warm-water habitat during Storm Goretti in January and drifted ashore on the coast of Jersey. Found weak and malnourished on the beach, the turtle was admitted to a local veterinary hospital, where she received intensive care. After treatment, she was declared fit to travel for the next stage of rehabilitation.
The turtle was transported in a secure carrier box on board the aircraft for transfer to Sea Life Weymouth in Dorset. Loganair stated that it worked in close coordination with veterinary specialists to ensure the flight was conducted in a calm and controlled manner for both the animal and passengers.
The airline described the operation as highly unusual, adding that the crew was proud to contribute to the turtle’s recovery process.
