SIPITANG: A turtle carcass was found at the beach next to Sipitang Rest House here.
Except for a blood pool underneath its mouth, the carcass looked intact.
Marine biologist Scott Mayback when contacted said based on the pictures and with only minimal shell damage, it looked like the turtle was a possible victim of floating syndrome.
"It means the turtle might have slowly starved to death while trapped on the surface of the water due to an underlying increased buoyant that can be attributed to ingesting plastic among other causes," said Mayback, who overlooks a turtle rescue centre at Gaya Island Resort.
He said other possible causes are head trauma while alive, as indicated by the blood.
Based on the size, Mayback said it could be an adult of over 30 years old.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said he had referred the matter to Sabah Parks and Sabah Wildlife Department for further action.