Beachgoer Stabbed in Leg Whereas Swimming in Suspected Needlefish Assault

A beachgoer in New Jersey was stabbed within the leg whereas swimming — and officers suspect it could have been a sting from a needlefish.

On Saturday, June 21, the Lengthy Seashore Township Police Division shared a press launch stating that officers have been referred to as to the town’s ninth Avenue seaside after an grownup male sustained a “minor leg damage” whereas swimming at round 11:40 a.m. native time.

After being handled by the Barnegat Mild Seashore Patrol, law enforcement officials and Barnegat Mild First Assist, first responders took the person to an area hospital, and police mentioned that no additional details about the incident was out there.

“The reason for the damage is presently unknown,” the press launch added.

Talking with the Courier-Submit, Barnegat Mild Seashore Patrol Sgt. Hugh Shields described the person’s damage as a puncture gap wound within the calf.

In keeping with Shields, the sufferer’s calf had seemingly been stabbed by a needlefish or a houndfish, two species which are frequent in New Jersey and different Atlantic waters through the summer time.

The Barnegat Mild First Assist Squad later confirmed the information, writing in a Fb submit that the “preliminary indication seems to have been a needlefish.”

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In keeping with the Delaware Division of Pure Assets and Environmental Management (DNREC), needlefish (and houndfish, a intently associated species) are principally present in shallow waters, bays and estuaries close to the shore, usually vary from 8 to 18 inches in dimension and may leap out of the water to strike after they really feel threatened.

Though human encounters with needle and houndfish are uncommon, they don’t seem to be unheard-of.

In 2010, a kayaker within the Florida Keys had her lung punctured when a fish leapt out of the water and stabbed her within the again.

In 1999, a fisherman in Malaysia was killed after being speared by a houndfish, based on the Courier-Submit.

USA Right now additionally reported {that a} 20-year-old in Brazil was discovered to have a part of a needlefish’s jaw embedded behind his ear after he was hit by the fish whereas browsing.

One other impaling incident additionally passed off in New Jersey final week — though it concerned an umbrella pole as an alternative of a fish.

In keeping with USA Right now, a lifeguard was impaled by a windswept umbrella on the morning of June 25 in Asbury Park.

Town’s hearth chief, Kevin Keddy, mentioned the lifeguard was alert and aware following the incident. First responders finally reduce the umbrella pole on each side of her arm to permit for simpler transportation to an area hospital, Keddy added.