Video shows the heroic moment scuba divers rescue a sea turtle after it was stuck in a rubbish trap of plastic bottles and fishing lines.

The filmer told Newsflare: "On closer look, it becomes clear that inflated plastic bottles have been tied deliberately to the turtle's front flippers - trapping it on the surface and preventing it from diving for food or shelter.

"It takes some time to cut through the thick nylon lines but the turtle is finally set free and it quickly swims to the depths."

The filmer commented on Facebook: "As a diver, I often come across heartbreaking scenes of destruction of our oceans... but after witnessing this I've been wondering if we still have hope?"

The shocking footage was filmed near Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep on October 3.

October 2019. Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep - India. Scuba divers returning from a dive spot what appears to be a turtle trapped in a mess of fishing lines and plastic bottles. On a closer look, it becomes clear that inflated plastic bottles have been tied deliberately to the turtle's front flippers - trapping it on the surface and preventing it from diving for food or shelter. The distressed animal is brought near the boat, where it appears tired and submissive. It takes some time to cut through the thick nylon lines but the turtle is finally set free and it quickly swims to the depths.