One day you’re part of a team responsible for a record-setting drug seizure, the next you’re rescuing a turtle — all in all just another day’s work aboard the Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Calgary..The Calgary, a Victoria-based military ship, was afloat on the Arabian Sea, just off the coast of Oman, last month when it made the record haul of illegal drugs.. HMCS Calgary drug bustMembers of the HMCS Calgary pose last month with part of a record drug seizure. .Operating under the command of the Canadian-led Combined Task Force 150, crew of the Canadian vessel seized 1,286 kg of heroin on April 23. It was the largest quantity of drugs ever captured by a coalition ship — the previous high was 1,032 kg of heroin in 2014 by an Australian navy ship..Less than 24 hours later, the Calgary intercepted another vessel with 360 kg of methamphetamine. The drugs were worth an estimated $23 million, and were probably going to be used to finance terrorism in the region, according to Combined Maritime Forces..In a bit of a departure Wednesday, the Calgary crew spotted a sea turtle entangled in heavy fishing nets, floats and other sea-borne debris..“While on patrol in the Arabian Sea, we saw the turtle in the distance, struggling helplessly to escape a tangled fishing net,” a member of the crew posted via social media early Thursday..“We stopped the ship and dispatched a boat team.”. Turtle rescue IVA crew member of the HMCS Calgary cuts away many pounds of netting and other items to free a trapped sea turtle. .Sailors worked diligently to save the turtle, which, after several minutes, was finally freed of its man-made traps..“It felt great watching that magnificent creature swim away free!” continued the Facebook post..“Onward.”.The rescue marked the second time the crew of the Calgary rescued a sea turtle..Mike D’Amour is the British Columbia Bureau Chief for the Western Standard..,.mdamour@westernstandardonline.com
