Penha, Brazil - September 11, 2024

This is the moment a turbo-charged turtle gets back to freedom after being saved from illegal fishing nets off the coast of Brazil.

Environmental police discovered the green turtle tangled up in the nets secretly set up by black market fisherman in Penha, Santa Carina state.

Without help, the endangered marine creature could easily have drowned or starved to death.

Footage released by its rescuers shows the moment the police marine patrol set the turtle free on 11th September back into the waters of the South Atlantic Ocean.

As one officer grasps the turtle firmly by its shell he lowers it into the sea and holds on for a few seconds before releasing it.

The turtle can't wait to get away and immediately takes off at such high speed it gives its rescuer a slap with one of its flippers as it dives under the waves.

Police later removed two 150-metre stretches of fixed fine mesh nets less than 50 metres from the coast.

The region is known for its rich marine biodiversity and is a natural refuge for several species of turtle including the green turtle, or Chelonia mydas.