Young hawksbill sea turtle follows scuba diver over the coral reef

Scuba divers in the Cayman Islands explore the waters gazing at beautiful coral and enjoying a peacefulness that is beyond description. Occasionally, they see spectacular animal life as well, such as fish, eels, sharks, and sea turtles. A close look at these animals is always an unforgettable experience. This diver was drifting along looking below him at the sea fans and corals when he noticed a curious hawksbill sea turtle tagging along just behind him.
Hawksbill turtles are critically endangered and a rare sight, especially so close. But this prolonged encounter went on for more than ten minutes. The diver turned his camera around and continued to swim. The turtle seems to be keeping an eye out for sponges, one of their favourite foods, but he also seems to enjoy the companionship. Perhaps he was curious about the awkward human making his way over the reef, or maybe he was thinking it was safer to stay close to avoid predators. This is a young hawksbill and a large shark would make an easy meal of it.
Hawksbill sea turtles are one of the most beautiful turtles. It is their beauty that brought them top the brink of extinction as their shells were collected for ornate brushes and jewelry. Their numbers plummeted as they were over harvested for shells, meat and eggs. Eggs on the beaches were dug up for consumption for centuries while their numbers dipped almost to the point of terminal population decline. Due to conservation efforts, changing laws, education, and changing attitudes, the hawksbill sea turtles are starting to make a comeback.