'I Didn't See the Rules': Ukrainian Fitness Influencer Apologises After Riding Egg-Laying Turtle in Oman

A Ukrainian fitness influencer has apologised after footage appeared to show him sitting on a sea turtle at a protected nesting site in Oman, with authorities confirming legal action over the incident.

Vadym Oleynik was visiting the Ras Al Hadd area with his partner, Olena Kravchenko, when images circulated showing the pair sitting on an adult turtle reportedly laying eggs. Oleynik also appeared to handle a newly hatched turtle.

Oleynik later apologised, saying he had not understood the rules governing interactions with the protected animals. The incident has since drawn international criticism, while Oman's Environment Authority has confirmed legal action over the conduct shown in the footage.

Viral Footage Shows Influencer Sitting on Turtle

The footage initially shared by Oleynik appeared to show him climbing onto the shell of an adult sea turtle at the nesting site. Other images showed Kravchenko sitting on the animal, while separate footage appeared to show Oleynik holding a hatchling.

The incident took place in the Ras Al Hadd area of Oman's South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, home to the Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve, a protected area and major nesting site for green sea turtles. The Environment Authority has described Ras Al Hadd as a top global nesting site for the species, with thousands of turtles coming ashore to nest along the reserve's beaches.

The original footage was later removed from Oleynik's social media account, although copies continued to circulate online.

Oman Confirms Legal Action

Oman's Environment Authority said the behaviour shown in the circulating footage violated laws and regulations protecting wildlife. The authority confirmed that 'the necessary legal action' had been taken against the individual concerned under applicable legislation. However, officials did not publicly identify the person, specify an offence or announce a potential penalty.

Reports have also circulated claiming Oleynik and Kravchenko were detained at an airport following the incident. Those reports have not been officially confirmed by Omani authorities.

The authority has warned visitors not to touch, approach or disturb sea turtles at nesting sites and urged people to follow regulations governing protected areas.

Influencer Says He 'Didn't See The Rules'

Oleynik later apologised, saying he had not understood the rules governing interactions with protected wildlife.

'I didn't see the rules. I made a mistake and apologise to everyone,' he said. He also apologised to Oman's Environment Authority and the organisation involved in protecting green sea turtles, saying he did not intend to hurt the animal.

Oleynik, 32, describes himself as a fitness coach and world calisthenics champion and has more than 200,000 followers on Instagram.

Why the Turtle Encounter Sparked Backlash

The footage prompted widespread criticism from conservationists and wildlife advocates, particularly because the encounter took place at a protected sea turtle nesting site.

Ukrainian animal welfare charity United For Animals condemned the footage, saying: 'They demonstrated savagery and a total disregard for life: the abuse of a sea turtle while it was laying eggs.'

Oman's Environment Authority said the conduct shown in the footage breached wildlife-protection rules. The authority has not publicly disclosed the precise legal measures taken against those involved or whether further proceedings will follow.

The legal consequences of the incident remain unclear, while Oleynik's subsequent apology has provided his account of what happened.