Cause of death…propeller!
The turtle had sustained injuries to the shell, the jaw and the right rear flipper. After a close inspection of the wounds, it had become clear that they were caused by a boat’s propeller. One of our volunteers, Cosette, having the appropriate experience from volunteering in ARCHELON's Rescue Center, provided first aid to the rare species and on Saturday 15 July, the turtle was transferred with the help of KTEL Zakynthos to the ARCHELON Rescue Center in Athens.
With proper health care, specialized veterinarians and of course the care of our volunteers, we had hoped that her health would be restored within the next few weeks. Sadly, the turtle that was named Coco in honor of the volunteer who helped her in the very first critical hours, died during her rehabilitation. The injuries she received were too severe, as the propeller had cut through her shell.
As we are in the highest tourist season, more tourists visit the island of Zakynthos and so more boats occupy the sea and the beaches of the island. This increases the risk for turtles, which are located in the bay of Laganas, and around the island.
Unfortunately, on Saturday 15th July we found the 15th dead turtle for this season on the island, and even more recently on the 28th July we found another turtle killed by a boat’s propeller. Worryingly, this male turtle had been found inside the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, within the zone near Marathonissi. According to legislation, there is a strict speed limit of 6 nautical miles per hour within the Marine park to prevent such interactions between wild animals and boats.
ARCHELON will continue its work dynamically and we hope that this number will not grow further.
Information: Anna Lamaj, Project Leader of Zakynthos Project Phone: +30 6940454976, email: zakynth@archelon.gr
Stop feeding the Caretta caretta in Zakynthos
The first nest of a Caretta caretta in Greece has hatched in Zakynthos
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS23/10/2026
ARCHELON's Virtual Tours Return for the 2026–2027 School Year!
A new school year filled with knowledge, creativity, and sea turtles is about to begin! Bookings for ARCHELON's virtual tours open on Monday, October 26, while the first tours will take place on Monday, November 2, 2026.
- OUR NEWS21/10/2026
Incident on Polyaigos Island: ARCHELON Calls on Authorities to Investigate the Death of a Sea Turtle
- OUR NEWS14/10/2026
The examinations behind every diagnosis: A vital step in sea turtle rehabilitation
This is where diagnostic examinations play a crucial role. X-rays are an invaluable tool for our rehabilitation team, both upon admission and throughout the recovery process, helping us determine the appropriate treatment and monitor each turtle’s progress.
- OUR NEWS09/10/2026
“Guardians of our ancient sea”: The 8th Mediterranean Conference on Marine Turtles takes place in Greece
The conference is expected to host 240 delegates from 20 Mediterranean countries, including leading researchers and scientists, as well as representatives from protected area management bodies and environmental organizations.
- OUR NEWS06/10/2026
A Wildlife Weekend at the Museum
On the weekend of October 3rd and 4th, ARCHELON participated in the "Wild Weekend", a two-day celebration dedicated to wildlife at the Goulandris Natural History Museum.
- OUR NEWS01/10/2026
October for sea turtles: Help us care for our sea turtle patients this winter
This October, we are launching a fundraising campaign with one clear goal: to raise €5,000 to support the care of our sea turtle patients through the end of 2026.
- OUR NEWS25/09/2026
Together for Crete’s nesting beaches: "Turtle-Friendly Hotel" award ceremonies in Chania and Rethymno
ARCHELON hosted the award ceremonies for the new Turtle-Friendly Hotel certification, as part of the TUI Turtle Aid Greece program in Crete.
- OUR NEWS23/09/2026
We bade farewell to Omiros, the blind sea turtle that traveled from Greece to Cornwall
In September 2026 Omiros, a male Loggerhead sea turtle with a remarkable story, passed away. He had spent the last 16 years of his life at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Cornwall, having traveled there from Greece.
- OUR NEWS10/09/2026
Sea turtles kept in a restaurant tank in Chania: True love for nature begins with respect.
We all feel a sense of excitement when we encounter a wild animal up close. It is only natural to want to connect with nature, observe it and understand it better.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2026
Schools are back at ARCHELON! A new year full of learning and action
The new school year is beginning, and with it, the voices, questions, and excitement of thousands of students return to ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS06/09/2026
Sea Turtle Hatchlings Captivated All Ages in Corfu
- OUR NEWS01/09/2026
Taking time off work to volunteer for the sea turtles in Greece: Amy’s month with ARCHELON in southern Peloponnese
When Amy Carey was 10 years old, she came face to face with a sea turtle while on holiday in Greece. Decades later, at 47, she decided it was time to turn that childhood memory into reality.
- OUR NEWS13/08/2026
Hatchlings need help in September and October: Special volunteer offer for 2 weeks!
In order to protect the nests and the last hatchlings of this year, we need the help of more volunteers!
- OUR NEWS10/08/2026
One beach party canceled, 66 nests saved in Chania!
A significant victory for the protection of sea turtles in Chania, thanks to the direct cooperation of ARCHELON and NECCA.
- OUR NEWS07/08/2026
Sea turtles of the Saronic Gulf: Why feeding them is not an act of love
The Municipality of Saronikos and ARCHELON are campaigning for the safe and proper coexistence of bathers and wildlife.