Tribunj, Croatia: Protected loggerhead turtle released back to sea

A young loggerhead turtle named Frane has been successfully released back into the Adriatic Sea near Tribunj, Croatia. The turtle, approximately ten years old and weighing 12.5 kilograms, was rescued earlier this month after being found by the crew of the fishing vessel Hlap with a three-centimeter fishing hook lodged in its jaw.

The rescue was initiated by fisherman Dario Ferara, who contacted emergency services via the 112 number. Following the initial report, the turtle was examined by the More veterinary clinic and subsequently transferred to the Aquarium Pula wildlife rehabilitation center, where specialists successfully removed the hook.

The release event, held at the Adria fishing cooperative beach, involved local children from the Maslina kindergarten. Authorities emphasized the importance of the 112 emergency system in protecting strictly protected marine species and urged citizens to report any injured or sick sea turtles immediately.