Algae growth is evident on the carapace.
Swimming away.
All photos Guido Zsilavecz
Loggerheads are the most common of the turtle species ocurring in the wates off South Africa. They breed in Natal, and after hatching spend much of their time in the gyres of the Agulhas current, which carry them as far as Zanzibar, Madagascar and Cape Agulhas - and occasionally to the Cape Peninsula. Dive operators have occasionally seen them in Simon's Town harbour, but underwater sightings are not so common.
This individual was found at 5m depth near the pipeline leading off Long Beach near Simon's Town. As generally with turtles this one was skittish, and moved away quickly when approached slowly. As only photos from the rear could be taken (as shown) and as the carapace is not fully visible, it is not possible to be quite sure it is a loggerhead. The chances of this are high, due to this species' ability to withstand colder waters, down to at least 15 degrees Celsius (the water at Long Beach was 14 degrees.)
Two Oceans, A guide to the marine life of Southern Africa, GM Branch, CL Griffiths, ML Branch and LE Beckley, 1994.
Sealife, G Waller (editor), 1996.