AN EXTREMELY RARE sea turtle found dead on the coast of Donegal is believed to have been swept thousands of miles off course.

An autopsy carried out by Coastwatch Ireland confirmed it is a Kemp’s Ridley, the smallest and most endangered sea turtle.

It is believed a group – or bale – of juvenile turtles were swept away from their home in the Caribbean, and carried across the Gulf Stream to Europe.

Others were found washed up in several locations across Europe, mainly France.

This specimen was found by Coastwatch volunteer Aoife Flynn on Christmas Day. She placed the turtle in a freezer until the group located someone who was able to carry out autopsies on turtles.

Karin Dubsky from Coastwatch Ireland told TheJournal.ie that is is crucial to examine the remains of creatures washed up, to ensure that disease or marine pollution isn’t causing their deaths.

It is believed the Kemp’s Ridley died from starvation.

Dubsky added that the group is appealing for members of the public to keep an eye out on beaches in the coming weeks, and to contact the group if they spot any turtles or other washed up animals.

She said it’s possible that more have been washed up, and potentially misidentified.

To contact the group, email KDubsky@coastwatch.org, or find contact numbers here.

Read: A turtle that washed up on a beach in Clare is being flown to Gran Canaria >