Loggerhead bites swimmer in Kaštela — fifth recorded attack since July 22
This is the fifth recorded loggerhead bite since July 22; the injured swimmer was advised to seek urgent care and tetanus protection.
A young swimmer in the Kaštela area of Croatia was bitten in the lower back by a loggerhead sea turtle, suffering a bleeding wound, authorities and witnesses reported. The incident occurred two days ago on a beach where other bathers had briefly thought the animal had left the area.
The swimmer's mother said her son had not touched or provoked the turtle before the attack. "The turtle approached him from behind and bit him in the lower back, causing a bloody wound. This situation has been going on for some time and it is becoming really worrying," she said.
Fifth reported bite since July 22
Local residents and rescuers say this is the fifth recorded biting incident since July 22. Citizens say the turtle — estimated to weigh up to 70 kilograms — repeatedly remains in shallow water near swimmers, prompting growing concern about safety even as people stress the species is strictly protected.
A nearby witness, who was with her husband only a few metres away from the victim, described the scene. "My husband and I were only five metres from him. We finally relaxed because we thought it was gone, but here it is again," she said.
After the attack, emergency services were contacted via the 112 number. The injured man was advised to seek urgent medical care and to receive tetanus protection.
Residents emphasise they do not want to harm the protected animal, but warn the repeated close encounters between the turtle and bathers are not without risk and are making many people hesitant to enter the sea.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
