Criminal charges have yet to be laid against the two men arrested last week in possession of a wounded, poached green sea turtle, which later died.
The Department of Environment, in response to Cayman Compass queries on Tuesday, said both men, have been bailed as investigation into the incident continues.
DoE conservation officers, in a statement from the department, said they had responded to a report about a suspicious vessel in South Sound, resulting in them recovering the female green sea turtle, which had been illegally captured and removed from the water.
The men, arrested last Wednesday, had reportedly taken their boat out of the water with the sub-adult female onboard.
The men were followed after they left with the turtle and the DoE said they took a corner too fast, which flipped their trailer and caused their boat and the turtle to be thrown into the road.
The two men were subsequently arrested and their equipment, including the boat, trailer and vehicle, were seized.
The animal, aged between 10 and 15 years, was rescued and taken for medical treatment, the DoE said. She had multiple spear marks on her shell and died hours after she was rescued from her captors.
The DoE said on Tuesday that as with all offences under the National Conservation Act, individuals convicted of an offence can be sentenced to up to $500,000 in fines and up to four years in prison.
Offenders can also have the equipment used in the offence confiscated by the court.
The DoE said the men would appear in court once charges have been laid.
The public is urged to remain vigilant for poaching and report any suspicious activities to 911 or 916-4271.
Related Videos
To me, this is far more serious than bigamy.