Police and wildlife protection officials are on the hunt to identify the divers and the tourist who mishandled a sea turtle.

Footage shows four professional divers grasping the hapless sea creature's shell and flippers while holding it up for six gawping tourists, who are wearing oxygen helmets and holding onto an ocean bed railing, in Sabah, Malaysia, on March 10.

At one point, the terrified turtle snaps at its own flippers as it struggles to get away from its tormentors.

Experts warn that handling wild turtles like this causes extreme stress and can lead to injury or even death.

Authorities are currently searching for the divers responsible for the trip after seeing the video posted online.

Sea turtles are fully protected under local law, and it is illegal to harass, harm, or interact with them in any way unless they are marine wildlife welfare officials under the Sabah Wildlife Enactment 1997.

Mishandling, which includes illegal hunting, possession, or trade of sea turtles or their eggs, constitutes a serious offense under this law. Convictions for such violations can result in substantial penalties, including fines ranging from RM50,000 to RM250,000 (approximately 8,770 GBP to 43,850 GBP) and imprisonment for a term between one to five years, or both.

Outraged experts at the Tropical Research & Conservation Centre (TRACC) in Semporna urge people to identify the divers and the exact location.

Centre director Robin Philippo said: 'Together with Marine Research Foundation, we have been in contact to try to find the organisation and people responsible.'