Marine incidents reported in Adriatic Sea and South Pacific

In the Adriatic Sea, experts are investigating the unusual deaths of four green sea turtles found along the coast between Molfetta and Margherita di Savoia within a 50-day period. The WWF has expressed concern, noting that this species is rare in the region. Pasquale Salvemini, a regional representative for the WWF, stated that such an occurrence is unprecedented in his 25 years of research. Potential causes being investigated include fishing activities, such as entanglement in nets, or changing environmental conditions.

Separately, in the South Pacific, four sailors survived an 18-hour ordeal after a sperm whale collided with their 16-meter yacht, the ‘Tai Tam’. The incident occurred approximately 250 nautical miles from Norfolk Island. The impact caused significant damage to the steering system and cracked the fiberglass hull, leading to water ingress. The crew, including individuals from Australia, New Zealand, and France, activated an emergency beacon and were subsequently searched for by a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft.