Three Bathers Bitten by Loggerhead Turtle in Croatia's Kaštel Lukšić

Three swimmers – two adults and a child – were bitten by a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) while bathing at Kaštel Lukšić on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Two victims sustained superficial wounds, while the child suffered a broken finger and an open gluteal wound that required surgical treatment at a local emergency department.

Marine biologists said such aggressive behaviour is extremely uncommon for the protected species, which usually avoids human contact. The bite is believed to have involved a male turtle waiting for a female during the mating season. Experts emphasized that the incident does not signal a broader danger, noting that loggerheads are an important part of the Adriatic ecosystem and that nesting numbers have recently increased. They advised swimmers to keep a safe distance, refrain from feeding turtles, and report any injuries promptly.