'STUMPY' the turtle first became known about last Tuesday when Eco Barge was on a marine debris removal trip at Saba Bay, Hook Island.

A skipper from Charter Yachts Australia reported seeing a large turtle with a yellow fishing reel and line caught around its flipper but after an hour of searching, Eco Barge volunteers were unable to find it.

Then on Friday, Cruise Whitsundays reported a turtle on Whitehaven Beach that had lost its front flipper.

It was at first presumed to be a shark attack, but then became apparent this was the turtle entangled in fishing line that had eventually severed its flipper.

A lack of reception at Whitehaven meant the rescue was difficult.

Air Whitsunday offered to help but Stumpy's size caused concern for a safe delivery.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) sent their vessel out but by then Stumpy had swam back into the sea.

On Saturday Stumpy beached himself again, much to the surprise of a wedding crew preparing for a morning elopement.

Through the HeliTaxi satellite phone Roxie Bowden and Jan Harvey were able to raise the alarm on the mainland and Stumpy was finally rescued and taken in for care at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre.

Sick or injured turtles can be reported to the Marine Stranding hotline on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).