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Saved After 7 Surgeries Found with Severe "Esophageal Damage"

Go Hui-gyeong

Published : Oct 15, 2026 12:11 PM

Video

Efforts to return the shark "Bukang-i," which appeared at Busan North Port, failed repeatedly. Is there a turtle that has returned to the sea in Jeju after 7 years?

Yes, a loggerhead turtle that was rescued with severe injuries off the coast of Jeju in 2019 is returning to nature after 7 years following a long period of treatment.

At the time, the turtle was found with severe injuries, including damaged muscles and esophagus, after getting entangled in fishing nets and gear.

It even showed symptoms of anemia requiring long-term treatment, and after being rescued, it underwent a total of seven surgeries and rehabilitation treatments.

Although inflammation relapsed several times during the treatment process, it recovered its health following its final surgery in February.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to release the loggerhead turtle back into the wild today (the 15th) at Gwangchigi Beach in Seogwipo, Jeju, near the location where it was originally rescued.

(Video Source: Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries)