parrotheaddiver:
We have a poster here on this board that was hit by a barracuda in the face. It was on a night dive he feels it was possibly the reflection off his mask cause by a dive light. He doesn't remember the attack but he said it tore his face up.
Here is a link to his story scroll down to Barracuda attack
http://scubaboard.com/t33429.html
OK, I'll post a little about barracuda attacks. First any doubt about the authenticity of this attack (Cozumel) can be put to rest. Second, I have a vivid recollection of the attack I experienced in February od 2003. (Utla, Honduras) I initially posted the attack in the "Marine Life" forum on this board because there was no "accidents and incidents" forum at the time. I requested, due to significant interest in the attack I experienced, (request made within the past two weeks) that the posts I made be moved to the "accidents and incidents" forum. The moderator did not move the posts, stating that it rightfully belonged in "Marine Life". I agree to disagree with the moderator, as I feel this attack should in the
accident and incident forum. My attack, as well as this one, are documented (with DAN and PADI)
Since I was attacked (unprovoked) I have developed a strong interest in barracuda attacks. In general, I have come to the personal opinion that there are a lot more attacks by barracuda worldwide that go unreported. (Most are not fatal and a lot result in no serious injury at all)
Personally, I think it would be inovative for Scubaboard to establish a sub-heading under "Accidents & Incidents" titled " "Animal attacks/incidents". In one way this would be a first...it would establish a worldwide place for barracuda attacks (and others to be posted as a central repository) My research has shown that there is no central repository for barracuda attack information ( such as the International shark attack files). It would also let viewers worldwide find this important information in a single place instead of having it scattered in a fragmented manner all over Scubaboard. (Thanks in advance, Scubaboard)
Now I'm gonna ramble a few lines in support of what I have said above. Since 1873, according to available research, I was the 20th (documented) barracuda attack on a human. This new attack will probably be 21 if it gets into any kind of reporting system.
Barracuda are clear water sight feeders. They are fish eaters and feed 24 hours a day. Their attaack is reactive and explosive, at speeds up to 45 miles per hour. They feed on fish both smaller and larger than their own size. They have distinct sets of teeth...short triangular (usally not noticed by divers) and the very long spike looking teeth which interlock in the jaws. The smalll teeth are for cutting prey in the initial attack, then after the initial attack, the barracuda will grab and hold the part to be eaten with the long teeth. The speed and impact is incredible. The prey is usually cut cleanly in half (right behind the head) leaving the "good part" to be eaten.
I had known for years that barracuda are highly attracted to shiney objects. As such, I dove in only black or dark equipment. I'm positive that the barracuda (about 4 feet) attacked a clear silicone mask I was wearing. (night dive)The mask's frame is highly reflective (mirrorlike) particularly when exposed to light. The mask also saved my life. I now wear an identical mask (solid black). Other than the teeth penetrating the silicone, the frame and glass withstood the impact.
I had two nasal arteries severed and a complete major orbital blowout which required reconstructive surgery after finally getting back to the US. The saga continues...I will have more surgery on the 24th of this month to repair (open) a tear duct that has been crushed closed since the attack. It has caused the eye to water constantly and was the source of the mother of all eye infections I got on our most recent dive trip to the Bahamas. I had done at least another 100+ dives since the attack. No problems. I don't forsee any problems to be associated with the upcoming surgery.
Now, barracuda attacks are NOT limited to snorklers. I understand there was a female snorkler who was attacked in the neck in Mexico and bled to death. In August of 2003, there were two divers attacked at the Flower Gardens on the same nigh, diving on two different boats. (night dives) One male videographer, one female diver. They both experienced very bad hematomas but no lacerations. It would appear that the barracuda struck bright D-rings on the equipment (reflecting light)
I wish the man a full recovery with his hand injuries and look forward to personally getting in touch with him. Parrothead, thanks for the interest...and Scubaboard, hopefully, you will open a caterory to serve as a central repository for this type of information which would eliminate the current fragmented searching and posting in various areas of the board.
Regards,
