ICG Ship ‘Vigraha’ Rescues Endangered Olive Ridley Turtles in Odisha
In a remarkable rescue operation, the crew of India Coast Guard (ICG) ship Vigraha saved two endangered Olive Ridley turtles that had become entangled in nearly 600 kg of ghost nets off the Odisha coast, officials confirmed on Friday.

The rescue took place during the annual mass nesting season of Olive Ridley turtles, which flock to Odisha’s coastline between February and March to lay their eggs. The turtles, which are critically endangered, were found struggling in the ocean after getting caught in abandoned fishing nets, also known as ghost nets. These nets, which are either lost or discarded by fishermen, pose a significant threat to marine life.

The Vigraha crew swiftly responded to the situation, freeing the turtles from the entangled nets and ensuring they were safely released back into the sea. The rescue highlights the ongoing challenges faced by marine wildlife due to pollution and discarded fishing gear.

The Olive Ridley turtle is known for its mass nesting behavior, particularly along the Odisha coast, making the state one of the most crucial locations for their conservation.