Nature experts are fearing the worst after well-meaning beachgoers released a tropical sea turtle back into Kent’s cold waters.

The lost marine reptile, usually found in warm continental oceans, was discovered washed up on Dungeness beach, where the sea is just 10°C.

But rather than notifying the authorities members of the public accidentally placed the turtle in harm’s way, according to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).

The incident on Monday comes after two others became stranded elsewhere in England last week, following a succession of storms understood to have pushed them off course.

Spokeswoman for charity BDMLR Susan Tierney today told KentOnline: “If a turtle is found on the south coast of England it means there is something seriously wrong with the animal.

“They are not native to Britain and the waters surrounding us are far too cold.

“If we find them on the beach they need to be taken to a specialist centre who can rehabilitate them and then release them back to their normal habitat, for example the canary islands, where the waters are warmer.”

Unfortunately, despite its finders’ best intentions, the turtle found in Kent is unlikely to live.

Ms Tierney added: “Unfortunately the people who found it released it back into the sea so we don't expect it to survive as the water is too cold.

“Those that we do find stranded on the beach are usually hypothermic, dehydrated and starved.”

Two other turtles found in Dorset and Cornwall over the past week were thankfully taken in by BDMLR.

The appearances are thought to have been caused by recent storms and rough seas pushing them off course.

If you find a turtle, you should call the BDMLR immediately on 01825 765546.

You should also take photos to send to the rescue teams, so they can identify the species.

Wrap up the animal in a towel so it can maintain its body temperature.

You must not float it back into the sea or warm it up quickly.

Cold turtles need to be warmed in a controlled way by specialists.