A dead sea turtle was discovered in the early hours of Saturday morning at the Alykes (salt flats) area near Elounda, on the northeastern coast of Crete. Municipal workers recovered the animal shortly after it was spotted. Sea turtles, primarily the loggerhead species (Caretta caretta), are protected under Greek and EU law and are commonly found in Cretan waters. While the cause of death has not been confirmed, such incidents are occasionally linked to boat strikes, fishing gear entanglement, or marine pollution. Tourists visiting beaches near Elounda and the Gulf of Mirabello are encouraged to keep a safe distance from any sea turtles spotted in the water or on shore, avoid leaving plastic waste on beaches, and report any injured or stranded turtles to the local Hellenic Rescue Team or ARCHELON, the Greek sea turtle protection society.
