This poor turtle underwent life-saving surgery to have a fishing hook removed from its head. The Kemp's Ridley sea turtle, known as 'Earwig', was spotted by a helpful bystander. A hook become lodged in its mouth and curled all the way round into its eye.

They called staff at Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center in Virginia, USA, in the early hours of May 18, who brought Earwig in to have the hook carefully removed.

In the graphic video clip from his surgery, vets can be seen deftly removing the hook from the turtle's head, revealing the gaping hole that remained.

The center's Chief of Veterinary Services, Dr. Allyson McNaughton, said: "Earwig was very lucky. The hook was large and if it was a few millimetres in either direction, it would have been a very different outcome.

"The path of the hook avoided several vital structures and did not penetrate the globe of the eye.

"It was also positioned in a way that allowed me to expose the barb end of the hook, cut it and back the rest out of the turtle’s mouth with minimal additional trauma.

"During the spring and early summer, it is common for us to respond to calls regarding sea turtles that have accidentally ingested hooks.

"Earwig was one of nine hook-interaction patients admitted to our Marine Animal Care Center that week.

"However, I have not seen a hook in the orbit of the eye before. That is not very common, though there are a few cases in our program’s history."

Following his surgery, Earwig has received medication for his damaged eye and is on a course of antibiotics and pain relievers, but fortunately has still retained his appetite.

It is hoped he will be released back to safer waters near Buckroe Fishing Pier within the next couple of weeks.