Three dead turtles wash ashore in under a week

Three dead turtles have washed up on the northern coast of Yucatán in under a week. 

All three animals were of a species called Hawksbill sea turtles, known locally as tortugas de Carey. 

The Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is a critically endangered sea turtle belonging to the family Cheloniidae.

Earlier: Bacalar’s lagoon has begun to recover its vibrant colors

The species can be found in several spots around the world, but its populations are most concentrated in the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. 

Local authorities removed the dead turtles and notified Mexico’s wildlife and environmental agency (Profepa) of the events. 

Six of the total seven species of sea turtles that exist worldwide can be found in Mexico, and four are known to nest in Yucatán.

Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht, PhD, is a journalist, photographer, and expedition leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada, and Norway. Most recently, he earned a doctorate in Heritage Studies in 2026.