Staff at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo are asking boat owners to slow down on the water after rescuing another sea turtle savaged by prop blades.

The wounded turtle suffered a severe 10-inch wound when it was hit by a passing boat.

The turtle ? which BAMZ staffers have nicknamed ?Split Ends? ? was found in Hamilton Harbour off Lantana.

BAMZ Head Aquarist and Bermuda Turtle Project coordinator Jennifer Gray said the wound will take several years to heal fully.

Split Ends is estimated to be between seven and 15 years old.

?The deep wound to the shoulder and the back of the turtle came critically close to the spinal cord, lung and other vital organs,? Ms Gray said.

?It is a miracle that this turtle has survived such a deep and open wound. Vigilant care and protection from secondary infection will be the key to this animal?s recovery. Rehabilitation will also require special attention to nutrition and physiotherapy.?

When turtles have been severely injured, it is unlikely they will be able to survive again in their natural habitat, she said.

?Split Pea? ? a turtle that was rescued by the Aquarium in 2001 ? has spent the past four years in recovery and is due to be released to the wild this summer.

BAMZ want to remind the public turtles are an endangered species and urge boaters to slow down.

?While it may appear that many turtles inhabit our waters, we must remember that they are endangered globally,? BAMZ veterinarian Ian Walker said.

?We ask boaters to slow down and watch out for our precious wildlife, especially when travelling through the areas around our shores where these creatures live.?