Two loggerhead turtles were this morning released into the sea after nine months in rehabilitation at the San Luċjan Centre in Marsaxlokk.

The turtles - Monster and Neil - were nursed back to health by volunteers from Nature Trust's Wildlife Rescue Team.

Monster, a 47kg turtle, had been brought in with a hook in the mouth and a nylon fishing line in its intestines. As the hook had been in the month for a long time an abscess had developed round the wound. It took almost eight months for the nylon line to be removed.

Neil, an eight year old turtle, was brought in by a fisherman who found it near Hurds Bank all covered in oil and full of barnacles indicating it has been floating and not eating for a long time.

Neil spent seven months under rehabilitation after being de-oiled and cleaned and placed on vitamins to regain the necessary strength

The release was held at 8.30am from the private beach of the Westin Dragonara Resort in St Julians.

Injured turtles or dolphins spotted at sea should be reported to Mepa on 9921 0404 or Nature Trust Malta Wildlife Rescue Team on 9999 9505.