Aphrodite the seal dies a horrible death

A young seal known locally as “Aphrodite” died earlier this week in Paphos waters, following reports that fishermen discovered the aquatic mammal trapped in one of their fishing nets.

According to Cyprus News Agency (CNA), the seal’s carcass was spotted on the beach at the Tombs of the Kings area on Tuesday morning, while additional media reports said a local fisherman became aware of Aphrodite caught in his fishing net but it was too late to rescue her.

Knews attempted to confirm the circumstances of discovering Aphrodite’s carcass, but it was not possible to obtain official information. A post mortem on the mediterranean monk seal is expected to take place on Wednesday.

CNA said on Tuesday that there were no visible signs of abuse or injuries, prompting officials from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research to rule the death as a drowning incident.

“The young seal did not appear to have external bruises or visible injuries and Fisheries administrators believe the young seal drowned after being caught in the net due to lack of experience,” CNA said.

According to CNA, the department officials believed the six-month-old weaned seal had been getting food easily by going to the fishing nets.