Onboard ASANI, every voyage represents an opportunity to connect with and preserve the natural world that surrounds us. So, when we were asked to support the release of Asanya, a rehabilitated Caretta caretta sea turtle, back into Sardinia’s protected waters, we didn’t hesitate to accept.
The release, part of Nautica Assistance’s Ocean Lovers project, was a powerful reminder of the delicate and precious ecosystem we are privileged to cruise through. We were honoured to be involved, alongside marine biologists and local authorities.
Asanya was found two years ago on Marinella Beach in Sardinia, injured and in need of urgent care. Thankfully, biologists from the Tavolara Marine Protected Area were quick to respond, rescuing her and bringing her to the Sinis Recovery Center. After a lengthy rehabilitation process, Asanya was finally ready to be released back into her natural habitat.
Thanks to our donation, Asanya was fitted with a satellite tag, enabling her to be tracked as she embarks on her next chapter. This small but vital contribution will help marine biologists continue their important research and conservation of her species.
On the day of Asanya’s release, our crew, along with the Nautica Assistance team and a group of biologists, gathered onboard ASANI at anchor near the island of Soffi to watch her return to the sea where she was born. As soon as she was lowered into the water, she slipped beneath the surface, seeming to relish her new-found freedom.
For our crew, witnessing Asanya’s return to the wild was a great privilege. As Captain Christian shared, “Marine wildlife are very close to the hearts of superyacht crew generally — we are forever in their habitat and we can all do a little something to help leave it how we found it, if not better.”
This philosophy is woven into the fabric of life onboard ASANI. Through small acts of care and awareness, we strive to respect and protect the environment in which we’re lucky to navigate, and Asanya’s release is just the beginning of this commitment to marine conservation.
Since her release, Asanya has swum all the way to the east coast of Corsica. As her journey continues, her movements can be followed through her satellite tag here.