A fisherman helped an endangered green sea turtle found stranded on the beach in Japan.

The local spotted the four-year-old marine mammal, seemingly weak and covered in barnacles, in Okinawa on February 26.

An animal rescue group rushed to the area and assisted the resident to tend to the creature.

Footage shows the local inspecting the animal with a red turtle-safe torch. It was put in a plastic box before being transported to the group's facility to be treated.

A Churamura Okinawa Sea Turtle Conservation spokesperson said: ‘We transported her to safety where we can help her recover.

‘We are hoping for the best outcome where she can be safely released back into the ocean to live out her 70 plus more years.'

The creature was safe and recovering after being checked by vets.