Sea turtle attacks three swimmers in the Adriatic Sea

A carefree swim in the Adriatic Sea ended with an unexpected bite for three tourists. A hungry sea turtle seemed to be craving a tasty bite of a swimmer off the Croatian coast.

In Kaštela Bay, on the Croatian coast, three swimmers were bitten by a hawksbill sea turtle. This species, part of the sea turtle family, can grow to nearly one meter in length. This unusual incident resulted in a broken finger and a deep open wound for one of the victims. Emergency services emphasize that while such a turtle bite is rare, it is certainly not trivial and always requires medical attention.

Bitten in the Water

The incident took place on a beach in Kaštel Lukšić, where two adults and a child sought help after being bitten in the water. Antonija Žanić, from the Kaštela Emergency Medical Service, told Zadarski that two of the victims had superficial injuries, while the third had suffered a fractured phalanx and a deeper open wound.

The turtle may have simply been looking for food

According to biologists, the turtle was likely not attacking out of aggression but may have been searching for food at the water’s surface. Biologist Karin Spiech explains to Gorenjska Info that leatherback turtles, as this species is officially known, generally feed on the seafloor, primarily on shellfish, crabs, and other invertebrates, and sometimes also on jellyfish. This behavior is therefore not typical of the species.

Ms. Spiech also warned against pulling on the animal if bitten. Turtles do not have teeth, but they do have a powerful beak and strong jaws; trying to break free can therefore make the bite worse. Her advice is clear: stay as calm as possible and seek medical attention immediately.

This appears to be an isolated incident, and many swimmers did not seem particularly concerned. One visitor said there was no reason to panic, while another joked that perhaps the turtles had gone crazy too.