This is the heartbreaking moment a giant green sea turtle was found dead with serious wounds on its head.

The marine animal was found lifeless in front of a beach resort in Davao City, the Philippines on October 3.

Locals found it in the morning among the fishing boats parked by the shoreline. Its head was bleeding and had swollen eyes from blunt force trauma.

The turtle was believed to have been accidentally hit by a fisherman's boat and taken to the shore to treat but died on the way so it was left on the beach.

Junil Mendoza Toriba said his neighbours immediately called on the local officials to inform proper authorities who will handle the dead animal.

He said: "It was sad to see such a beautiful creature die in our place. People should be more careful when going into the ocean to prevent such accidents."

The turtle was taken to the local marine office where veterinarians will conduct an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death. They will also launch an inquiry on the area to find what happened to the dead turtle.