Eight children and one adult have lost their lives on Pemba Island in the Zanzibar archipelago after consuming sea turtle meat. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in 78 others being hospitalized due to chelonitoxism, a form of food poisoning associated with sea turtle consumption.

The adult victim, who tragically passed away late Friday, was identified as the mother of one of the deceased children. Dr. Haji Bakari, the Mkoani District medical officer, confirmed that laboratory tests confirmed all victims had consumed sea turtle meat.

This is not the first time such a tragedy has struck Pemba Island. In November 2021, seven individuals, including a 3-year-old, died under similar circumstances, while three others were hospitalized.

Authorities have urged the public to refrain from consuming sea turtles, emphasizing the dangers associated with their consumption. Despite being considered a delicacy by some, sea turtle meat poses significant health risks, as highlighted by these tragic events.

Aside from the human impact, sea turtles face numerous threats, including habitat loss and climate change. The Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, the most critically endangered species, faces additional challenges due to warming waters off the northeast U.S. coast, leading to increased cold-stunning incidents.

Credit: CBS News