Stock photo of a loggerhead turtle. Smaller photo of dead turtle taken by Nature Trust

A loggerhead turtle suffered a painful death after its shell was smashed by a boat, Nature Trust has confirmed.

Transport Malta officials found the 17-year-old turtle, with its shell broken into three at the tail end, off the coast of Sliema and brought it to St Julian’s.

“Thanks goes to The Malta Police Force, Transport Malta and ERA for all their support,” Nature Trust said. “Boat owners, please sail carefully! ”

The sad news comes a few days after 98 loggerhead turtles successfully hatched in Ġnejna Bay, the first time turtles hatched in Malta since 2016.

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Tim Diacono

Tim is interested in the rapid evolution of human society and is passionate about justice, human rights and cutting-edge political debates. You can follow him on Instagram or Twitter/X at @timdiacono or reach out to him at [email protected]