Woman suffers prolonged health issues after loggerhead turtle bite in Croatia

Weeks after a loggerhead sea turtle bit a woman swimming in Kaštela, Croatia, she continues to suffer from health problems. Her leg remains severely swollen, and she is undergoing ongoing therapy.

The incident occurred on Poštanski beach in Kaštel Lukšić. The turtle, described as a loggerhead, reportedly bit the woman on the thigh and did not release its grip until she struggled to free herself. Her son told Dalmacija Danas that his mother is still taking medication and must travel from Kaštela to a hospital in Split for treatment, despite difficult weather conditions.

She is now scheduled for further examinations with a vascular surgeon and an ultrasound to determine the precise nature and severity of her injury. Doctors, including Dr. Antonija Žanić from the Emergency Medical Service in Kaštel Stari, have cautioned that injuries from loggerhead turtle bites should not be underestimated.

The turtle's persistent presence and aggressive behavior in Kaštela Bay have alarmed swimmers and experts alike. Pero Tutman from the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries in Split noted that loggerhead turtles typically avoid humans, with their primary defense being flight. This particular turtle's behavior of approaching and biting swimmers is considered highly unusual.

While researchers investigate the cause of this atypical behavior, the public has been advised to avoid approaching or touching the turtle and to allow it unobstructed passage to the open sea if sighted. Kaštela Bay is not a typical nesting ground for these sea turtles, which usually prefer sandy beaches for egg-laying.