Beloved sea turtle in Lovište killed by boat propeller centre of ecological action 

Kono the sea turtle (Photo credit: Igor Đuričić)

Lovište, 8 May 2025 – This Sunday, 11 May, the third international ecological diving event will take place in Lovište Bay, honouring a gentle sea turtle named Kono who captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike before tragically losing her life to a boat propeller.

The first divers are expected to arrive as early as Friday, coming from across the region—including Pelješac, Korčula, Dubrovnik, Split, Metković, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.

They will be joined by members of the Special Police Unit “Grof,” Croatian Mountain Rescue Service, and local firefighters from Pelješac.

Organised by passionate locals and sea lovers from the Lanterna Eco-Diving Club, this cleanup initiative is now in its third consecutive year.

(Photo credit: Igor Đuričić)

Each year sees more divers drawn to this picturesque village in the municipality of Orebić, nestled in a deep, protected bay at the tip of the Pelješac Peninsula. Those who visit Lovište often find themselves returning.

A paradise for yachters, the bay comes to life from early spring to late autumn, with luxury yachts and sailboats mooring here throughout the season.

The members of Lanterna are determined to preserve this natural gem for future generations. Through their efforts, they hope to inspire boaters, tourists, and locals to act responsibly and protect the region’s most valuable treasure—its crystal-clear sea.

(Photo credit: Igor Đuričić)

Remembering Kono

For years, the bay was home to a sea turtle affectionately named Kono. She peacefully coexisted with both residents and tourists, making her appearance each spring like clockwork, waiting near a local restaurant for her favourite lunch—fish scraps.

This heartwarming tradition continued until June 2021, when Kono was fatally struck by a boat propeller.

“Kono became a symbol of our cleanup efforts and a poignant reminder to boaters to avoid speeding near the shore,” said Igor Đuričić, president of the Lanterna Eco-Diving Club. “Her memory lives on through this event, now a cherished tradition in Lovište.”

(Photo credit: Igor Đuričić)

“This year’s cleanup will be the largest yet in terms of diver participation,” Đuričić added. “Hopefully, there will be less rubbish than last year, when we removed six cubic metres from the seabed—already less than in our first year, despite more divers. As climate change continues to impact us all, we want to send a strong message from Pelješac about the importance of protecting our environment.”

The initiative is supported by key partners including JANAF, the Municipality and Tourist Board of Orebić, and the company My Gavi, to whom Đuričić expressed heartfelt thanks.