Healed turtle named after ill-fated vessel
MESSAGES of love to the six men who died at sea in the MV Dianne tragedy last year were whispered to a sea turtle before it was released back onto the Great Barrier Reef.
Jodie and Kay Bidner, the sister and mother of lost crew member Adam Bidner, took part in the release of the rehabilitated 20-year-old green sea turtle from Sunlover Reef Cruises’ pontoon at Moore Reef, about 40km off Cairns.
The turtle, which had survived a shark attack, was rescued from the coral reef a month after the MV Dianne sank off the coast of Gladstone, on October 16, 2017, claiming the lives of six men — including four whose bodies have not been found.
The reptile was named in honour of the crew members of the Cairns-based sea cucumber fishing boat.
The turtle, which lost a section of its shell and a rear right flipper to the shark, had been recuperating at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre’s facilities at Portsmith, and at the Cairns Aquarium.
Kay, who helped lower the turtle into the water, described the moment the reptile swam to freedom as “beautiful”.
“This is a symbol of our four remaining lads out there,” she said. “Dianne was sent back with lots of love and whispered messages from the families that have been to see her, but couldn’t come today.
“To me, this is just beautiful: setting her free.
“She’s back out in the environment where she’s supposed to be.” RELEASED: Dianne the green turtle swims to freedom.
Jodie said her brother was passionate about sea turtles and would have loved to have been present for the release.
“It’s really special to me, that we can be out here and help with the volunteers doing such a fantastic job — and just so honoured to have the turtle named after the boys,” she said.
Turtle Rehabilitation Centre co-ordinator Jennie Gilbert, who knew Mr Bidner for many years, said he had helped build the turtle hospital’s intensive care facilities in Portsmith.
She said having his family present for Dianne’s release was a fitting tribute. night holding onto floating debris. October 20 Police divers search sunken vessel, recover two bodies identified as Leahy and Hoffman. October 31 Police scale back search. February 21, 2018 MV Dianne is salvaged, brought ashore at Bundaberg. July 2018 Australian Maritime Safety Authority mandates compulsory float-free EPIRBs.