Sunday, Mar 16 2025 | Time 00:18 Hrs(IST)
States » SouthPosted at: Mar 15 2025 1:50AM


Kerala: Maldivian national injured after barracuda fish attacks him, saved

Kochi, Mar 14 (UNI) A Maldivian national who was critically injured after being attacked by a dangerous barracuda fish during a fishing expedition, has been successfully treated and saved by Kochi Amrita Hospital.
The incident occurred during a nighttime underwater fishing activity when the 32-year-old Maldivian man was attacked by a barracuda, a species belonging to the tiger fish family.
He was collecting sea cucumbers from the ocean floor as part of traditional Maldivian fishing when the fish struck him. The powerful bite caused severe injuries to his spinal cord and vertebrae at the back of his neck.
Initially, he was rushed to a hospital in the Maldives, where doctors assessed the severity of his condition.
Realizing the critical nature of the injury, he was immediately airlifted to Amrita Hospital in Kochi for advanced medical treatment.
Upon arrival, medical experts discovered that the barracuda's sharp teeth had deeply penetrated his spinal cord, leading to paralysis of his left arm and leg.
Further tests revealed that more than 10 fragments of the fish’s teeth were embedded in his spinal cord.
A team of specialists, led by Dr Sajesh Menon and Dr Dalwin Thomas from the neurosurgery department, performed highly complex surgery to remove the embedded teeth and repair the damage.
Following the successful procedure, the patient was moved to the ward for further recovery.
Doctors described the spinal surgery as extremely rare and challenging.
Barracuda attacks have been reported in the Maldives before, with several victims succumbing to their injuries due to the lack of specialized medical care. These fish are known for their high speed and sudden attacks, making them extremely dangerous.
Speaking about the ordeal, the patient’s brother stated that the family was deeply worried about his survival due to the severity of the injuries.
However, he expressed immense gratitude to the doctors at Amrita Hospital, whose expert care played a crucial role in saving his brother’s life.
Reports suggest that barracuda fish, known for their sharp teeth, have even injured crocodiles in the past.
UNI DS SS
Tags: #Kerala: Maldivian national injured after barracuda fish attacks him# saved
More News

GST remains tool for economic progress, not uncertainty: Telangana Governor

15 Mar 2025 | 11:32 PM

Hyderabad, Mar 15 (UNI) Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma emphasised that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) continues to be a vital instrument for economic progress rather than a source of uncertainty.

see more..

Karnataka: DGP sent on compulsory leave following Ranya's arrest

15 Mar 2025 | 10:49 PM

Bengaluru, Mar 15 (UNI) Karnataka government has sent K Ramachandra Rao, Director-General of Police, Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, on compulsory leave following the arrest of his stepdaughter, actress Ranya Rao, in a gold smuggling case.

see more..

Bandi Sanjay calls for strict crackdown on drug sales, praises girl child empowerment initiatives

15 Mar 2025 | 10:33 PM

Karimnagar (Telangana), Mar 15 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar has raised concerns over the growing menace of drug sales, emphasising that children are being exploited to facilitate the racket.

see more..

Uttam secures major victory for Telangana as EAC blocks RLIS environmental clearance

15 Mar 2025 | 10:06 PM

Hyderabad, Mar 15 (UNI) Telangana Irrigation & Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy achieved a significant victory for Telangana after successfully convincing the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to recommend blocking environmental clearance (EC) for the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme (RLIS) of Andhra Pradesh.

see more..

Hyd: Telangana Guv highlights importance of advanced orthopaedic surgery

15 Mar 2025 | 9:53 PM

Hyderabad, Mar 15 (UNI) Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma emphasised the importance of advanced orthopaedic surgery during his address as the chief guest at the inauguration of a two-day International Conference & Live Workshop on the Future of Arthroscopic Surgery.

see more..