A green sea turtle struggling for air was rescued at Manly beach by a stand-up paddleboarder on Wednesday, October 18.

Dean Cropp battled against waves to reach the animal, which was struggling to surface for air, and dragged it onto his board before returning to shore.

“After many waves knocking me off the board I saw a gap in the surf and made it out,” Cropp told Storyful. “After about a half hour of searching the rough water I found the green sea turtle floating on the surface, seriously overgrown with algae and barnacles. I observed her for a few minutes and was convinced she was in trouble; also she was very close to the rocks at the south end of Manly beach.”

The turtle was taken to Manly Sealife Sanctuary, where it was still receiving care on October 19. Credit: Barefootcaptain via Storyful