The sunshine and gentle lapping waves at Ġnejna Bay were cast in a dark shadow yesterday when a large dead turtle washed ashore.

The turtle, the species of which could not be confirmed by the time of writing, was found by two bathers on a stroll along the beach.

Turtles are no strangers to the area and Ġnejna Bay was three years ago declared an emergency conservation area. The planning authority had issued an emergency conservation order after a marine turtle laid 79 eggs in the bay. Unfortunately, the eggs had failed to hatch, despite several experts monitoring the site.

Gnejna and Golden Bay used to be popular for nesting by turtles in the past. The last recorded nesting in Golden Bay was in 1960. Unfortunately the female had been killed and the eggs stolen.