A group of fishermen who accidentally caught a 300-lb endangered turtle filmed the moment they gave it a clean scrub and released it back into the ocean.

The unnamed men made the surprising catch while out fishing in the waters of the East China Sea on 16th November.

Phone footage shows the moment they reeled in a large net filled with all kinds of fish.

But among them all stood out one giant loggerhead turtle that accidentally got swept up with the fresh catch.

The men instantly recognised it was an endangered species and gently pulled it to the side.

They carefully removed the barnacles and scrubbed the seaweed from its shell.

After it was all nice and clean, they lifted up the 300-lb animal and tossed it back into the ocean.

They later shared a video of the joyful release on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, with the caption: “In observing laws and regulations, and in caring for and protecting animals, it is the responsibility and duty of each of us fishermen.

“Today, we have released a sea turtle, admired the marine life, and studied various fishing techniques.

“Now, it’s time for us to rest and avoid rough seas.”

The loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) is a large marine turtle known for its distinctive large head and powerful jaws.

These turtles are found in oceans around the world and are particularly common in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

The loggerhead turtle is classified as “Vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with five population segments classified as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

The main threats to their survival include habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and accidental capture in fishing gear.