In what will come across as a really terrifying development, a tourist was attacked and gruesomely impaled in the neck by a foot-long needlefish in a horrific attach whilst swimming off the coast of Thailand.
Noppadol Sringam was swimming with friends at the popular Ao Tan Khu beach, a popular tourist destination in the southeastern region, before being impaled in his neck.
Pictures have been released of him lying in a hospital bed with the fish still in his neck.
The accident took place on Thursday (March 31), at 1pm local time. The area is known for its white sandy beaches and coral reefs and is a popular destination amongst locals and tourists.
Witnesses of the gruesome attack said they heard Noppadol desperately scream for help from the water before a brave passerby swam out and dragged him back to shore.
He was then given first aid before being rushed to the local hospital in Trat.
Whilst Needlefish are commonly found in shallow coastal sea such as the one Noppadol was swimming in, this is the first time one has been seen in Ao Tan Khu.
Often referred to as “long toms” the fish can make short jumps out of the water and can attach themselves to people.
However, the neck piercing was a particularly rare case for the area.
Local official Suchart Jitmungmanotham has urged visitors to take extra caution while swimming in the areas and more officers have been posted around the beach to ensure our safety.
The governor of Trat, Chamnanwit Terat is currently awaiting more details on the attack and the causes.
Although the attacks are rare, they are not unheard of. The needlefish leaping out of water has been known before and there have been three reported deaths from this issue. But Noppadol Sringam is known to be recovering.
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Source: Daily Star UK
