Dozens of critically endangered Hawksbill turtle hatchlings were successfully relocated to a marine sanctuary in the Philippines.

Residents found the 46 baby sea turtles crawling across the shore in the seaside town of Agnaga in Romblon province on February 1.

They notified the Task Force Wildlife Romblon, which then called the Coast Guard Station Romblon for assistance in transporting the hatchlings to the Apunan Marine Sanctuary on the archipelagic province.

In a statement, the Coast Guard Station Romblon said: 'Upon verification of the report, the team proceeded to the area, conducted an assessment, and identified some potential risks at the current location that may endanger the lives of hatchlings.

'The team decided to relocate the turtles to Apunan Marine Sanctuary to minimize the potential risk and took the necessary measures during transportation to ensure that turtle hatchlings were safe.

'The Coast Guard Station Romblon, its substations, and operational control units support the Task Force Wildlife Romblon in protecting and in conservation efforts.'

Hawksbill turtles are classified as critically endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. They are so named because of their pointed, beak-like mouths that they use to find food in small cracks and crevices.

Hawksbill turtles are renowned for their beautiful shells, which have also made them prime targets for poachers engaged in the tortoiseshell trade. Their population is also threatened by habitat destruction, egg collection, and pollution.