Near the shoreline off Abu Dhabi's Al Reem Island, a construction crew spotted a large, elderly green sea turtle drifting in shallow water and stepped in to help.
After workers realized the injured animal needed help, specialists at The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi took the turtle in and later named her Riviera.
Here's what to know
According to the Khaleej Times, workers at Riviera Residences by Mered found the turtle by the shoreline and alerted authorities.
"It was an ordinary morning by the shoreline at the construction site on Al Reem Island when we noticed something unusual in the shallow water," Sahil, a buggy driver at the site, told the outlet.
"At first, it was difficult to tell what it was, but when we got closer, we realized it was a sea turtle and she was barely moving."
Sahil said Riviera was struggling to dive and drifting with the current rather than swimming on her own.
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"When we got closer, we could see a wound on her neck that appeared to have been caused by a boat strike, which the aquarium team later confirmed," Sahil said.
More background
Thankfully, the crew was calm and careful.
"It was difficult to see because these are such strong animals, but at the same time they can be very vulnerable to what happens around them in the water," Sahil said, according to the Khaleej Times.
Her rescuers chose a name linked to the place where they found her, saying Riviera felt like the natural choice for everyone involved.
"For all of us who were there that morning, she became very special very quickly," Sahil said. "Finding her so close to us was also a reminder of how much marine life exists along this coastline and how important it is to look out for it."
What's being done?
After contacting the authorities, the workers kept Riviera shaded and calm, placed her in a box lined with damp towels, and remained with her until aquarium staff took over.
Sahil said moving the turtle required coordination and care.
"She was definitely heavier than I expected," he said, according to the Khaleej Times. "It took two of us to lift her carefully, supporting her properly and trying to keep her as still and comfortable as possible."
Riviera is now under specialist care at the aquarium, where staff are treating her. They will decide when she is ready to return to the sea.
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