Indonesia Releases 20 Green Sea Turtles Back to Ocean After Bali Smuggling Case

Indonesian authorities released 20 protected green sea turtles back into the ocean on Tuesday after the animals were found and seized on an abandoned boat, apparently left behind by wildlife smugglers fleeing a police raid.

The incident took place in Bali, Indonesia's famed tourist island.

According to initial reports, authorities found the turtles on the uncrewed vessel, with the smugglers apparently having fled as police moved in to raid the operation.

Green sea turtles are a protected species, and transporting or trading them is strictly prohibited under Indonesian law.

The turtles were later released back into the sea, closing a case that authorities described as a thwarted wildlife smuggling attempt.