News
Fsherman dies of extensive bleeding after ‘moralla’ pierces his neck in freak accident
View(s):By Malaka Rodrigo
In a tragic incident earlier this month, a fisherman from Jaffna died when a fish pierced his neck.
This incident occurred while two fishermen were out at sea in a small motorboat at night, according to J. Sudagaran, Assistant Director at the Jaffna district office of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. While they were fishing, a fish with a long, sharp snout leaped from the water and pierced the neck of one of the fishermen. It was likely a jumping halfbeak, a slender fish about 30 cm long, known for its extended lower jaw that resembles a beak and its tendency to jump out of the water, Mr. Sudagaran said.
With its strong snout and lightning speed, the jumping halfbeak can injure fishermen, and in this case, it struck the neck, causing extensive bleeding, Mr. Sudagaran told the Sunday Times. The fishermen were about three kilometres from the shore when the incident occurred, and he was rushed to the hospital.
Sadly, doctors were unable to save him due to severe blood loss, said Deputy Director of Jaffna Teaching Hospital, Dr. Jamunanantha Sivanathan, who explained that the impact had severed a major vein in the neck, leading to extensive bleeding.
The jumping halfbeak (Hemiramphus archipelagicus), known as ‘Moralla’ in Sinhala, is a commercially important fish. Typically silver or grey with bluish or greenish hues, it can camouflage itself in its aquatic environment. These fish live in schools and are known for their ability to leap from the water; a high-speed collision with their elongated, sharp lower jaw can result in serious injuries, noted Arjan Rajasuriya, former Research Officer at the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).
These fish usually jump to evade predators or navigate their environment, with no intention of harming humans. The unfortunate fisherman was likely struck accidentally as the fish tried to escape a threat or obstacle, Mr. Rajasuriya explained.
However, it’s important not to shine a flashlight at night while in a boat, as this can cause halfbeaks to jump and potentially lead to injury, Mr. Rajasuriya warned. There have been previous incidents of accidental spearings, but he emphasised that these fish are not poisonous, despite some claims.
Last year, another fisherman in Jaffna was injured when a jumping halfbeak pierced his stomach, Mr. Sudagaran recounted to the Sunday Times. Fortunately, he was hospitalised and managed to recover from his injuries.
Understanding the behaviour of local fish species and remaining vigilant while fishing can help prevent such incidents. Dr. Jamunathan emphasises the importance of basic first-aid training for fishermen to manage injuries until professional medical assistance is available.
The jumping halfbeak is a unique and ecologically important fish, with its jumping behaviour and physical adaptations.
This unfortunate accident underscores the potential dangers faced by fishermen and others working near wildlife. However, experts note that wild animals typically do not attack humans unless provoked or cornered.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!