A dead turtle, nearly a metre long and weighing 70kg, was found yesterday in Motril Port with a fractured carapace (shell) towards its hind quarters.

The loggerhead sea turtle is a species of oceanic turtle that can be found around the world. They measure around 90cm when fully grown, weighing approximately 135kg with the largest specimens reaching 450kg. The specimen found in the port however, weighed around 70 kilos.

According to Héctor Pula, who is a specialist working at the Aula del Mar (Universidad de Granada) its carapace was probably split post mortem. The cause of death has yet to be determined.

Despite it being of a size & weight difficult to move, it was essential to do it as soon as possible because decomposition soon sets in.

The tortuga boba, as it is known in Spain, can live up to 30 years and is a protected species.

(News: Motril, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)