Rhodes: Dozens of Loggerhead Hatchlings Emerge Beneath a Sun Lounger

Two Ukrainian tourists on Rhodes witnessed an unexpected scene beneath their sun lounger: loggerhead turtle hatchlings began emerging from a nest on Kolymbia beach.

Inna and Vitaly described the moment as “the most magical experience of their lives.” The nest lay on the beach in front of a hotel, and they immediately alerted hotel staff. The staff fenced off the area until a scientific team from the Rhodes Hydrobiological Station and Aquarium arrived.

A total of 79 hatchlings successfully emerged from the nest and made their own way to the sea, creating an impressive sight for people on the beach.

The Rhodes Hydrobiological Station used the incident to remind the public how to respond when encountering sea turtles or hatchlings. At night, people should avoid noise, bright lights and flash photography because a turtle may be laying eggs. Once the turtle returns to the sea, the nest should be marked off without disturbing it, and authorities should be notified.

Experts also stressed that people must not touch hatchlings or carry them to the water. The young turtles should follow the route to the sea on their own. Loggerhead turtles and their nests are protected under Greek and international law.

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The most magical experience of their lives.