Large turtle washes up on popular Gold Coast beach

Beach-goers at a busy Gold Coast beach have received quite a surprise this afternoon, with a large turtle washing ashore.

The sea animal washed up on the sand at Surfers Paradise around 1.00pm on Wednesday.

Lifeguards immediately notified SeaWorld Rescue crews, who are currently on scene.

Swimmers and surfers have also been cleared from the water.

A turtle has washed up at #SurfersParadise Beach.

Lifeguards have cleared the water, with Sea World’s rescue team on the way. #9News pic.twitter.com/M9uQSqEanF

— 9News Gold Coast (@9NewsGoldCoast) January 27, 2021

It comes just hours after a young man was pulled from the surf at Surfers Paradise beach following a near-drowning.

RELATED: Swimmer pulled unconscious from surf at Gold Coast beach

The 21-year-old was found unresponsive after diving into a wave around 10.30am this morning.

He has since been taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious but stable condition.