A large turtle was found dead in the Rafelino cove.
Everything indicates that the turtle arrived propelled by the currents days after its death.
ManacorA group of swimmers who were in the Rafelino cove—near Cala Morlanda—were surprised to see what appeared to be the lifeless body of a large turtle floating on Wednesday. When they got closer, they saw that it was "about four hands across" and not moving. They immediately called 112, as is the protocol for these cases.
Everything points to it being a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), also known as the red turtle. These are the most common in this part of the Mediterranean, where they come primarily to feed. Caretta caretta It can measure between 1.2 and 1.6 meters in length, from head to tail, although most measure between 1 and 1.3 meters. Its weight can vary, and in the largest specimens it can reach 150 or 200 kilos. It is one of the largest sea turtles in the world.
Everything indicates that the turtle arrived yesterday at the Rafelino cove, dragged by the currents, days after its death, perhaps as the victim of an illegal trawling net, still one of the main causes of this type of fatal accidents. This is because, while between 2015 and 2020 it was entanglement that caused 32.8% of strandings, according to the Palma Aquarium Foundation, in the last five years these figures have risen to more than 50%.
Remember that if you see a turtle on the beach, do not touch it or approach within 15 meters. Furthermore, do not photograph it with a flash, and call 112 immediately so that the appropriate action protocol can be activated.
In the Balearic Islands, you can mainly see young and sub-adult loggerhead turtles. They can be seen all year round, but strandings are more common during the summer months, specifically from June to September.