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A woman, whose identity has not been revealed, was attacked this week by what is presumed to be a barracuda while swimming near the main pier in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, on the coast of Broward County.
The incident occurred just a few meters from the Anglin’s Beach Café, local press reported.
According to eyewitnesses, the victim was swimming in shallow waters when, suddenly, she began to scream in desperation.
“It was a shocking scene. The young woman was screaming and waving her arms, as if she were escaping”, reported Diana Biermann from the shore, in statements collected by NBC6.
Another key witness, Jayden Vann, had been swimming near the woman shortly before the attack.
“I felt I had to enter the water, and just two minutes later, she started screaming for help,” said the young man, who was among the first to react.
"I was screaming for help, and I was the first to pull her out of the water," Vann added, noting that "the injury was on a piece of her forearm."
Other vacationers quickly came to her aid.
"I saw her bleeding, so I applied pressure and put on an improvised tourniquet.", stated a swimmer identified as Besnik.
A "brutal" bite and an immediate citizen reaction
The witnesses agreed on the severity of the injury.
"The wound was brutal, as if a piece of his forearm had been ripped off," Vann insisted.
Another witness stated that “one of the men ran to help her out of the water, and then someone shouted asking for a towel because she was bleeding profusely.”
The efforts of the beachgoers to control the bleeding while waiting for the paramedics were vital.
“The passersby used their towels as improvised tourniquets until the first responders arrived,” reported WFLA.
The transfer to the hospital and the preliminary diagnosis
According to the authorities from the Pompano Beach Fire Rescue team, the woman was treated on-site by paramedics and later transported, conscious, to Broward Health North hospital.
Although his life is not in danger, the injuries were classified as serious.
"The woman was possibly bitten by a barracuda," authorities stated, although it has not been possible to confirm with certainty what type of marine creature attacked her.
However, the characteristics of the wound and the circumstances of the incident point to the mentioned marine predator as the primary suspect.
Are barracudas dangerous?
Barracudas are elongated fish with powerful jaws and sharp teeth that typically inhabit warm, shallow waters, such as those along the coast of Florida.
Although it's not common for them to attack humans, these fish can be confused by bright reflections or sudden movements.
Although the name of the victim has not been revealed, it is known that they remained conscious the entire time and a favorable recovery is expected.
Nonetheless, the incident has caused alarm among residents and tourists, especially due to the proximity of the attack to the popular dock of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, a spot often visited by swimmers and divers.
The incident has sparked a debate about the need for warnings regarding marine wildlife on tourist beaches in South Florida, particularly in heavily populated areas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Barracuda Attacks and Beach Safety in Florida
What happened in the incident with the barracuda in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea?
A woman was bitten by what is believed to be a barracuda while swimming near the dock of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. The injury was severe, but her life is not in danger. She was treated on the scene and transported to Broward Health North hospital.
What are the risks of swimming near barracudas in Florida?
Barracudas can attack humans if they feel confused by bright reflections or sudden movements. Although it's not common for them to attack people, their powerful jaws and sharp teeth can cause serious injuries.
What safety measures should be taken when swimming at Florida beaches?
It is important to swim in designated areas monitored by lifeguards, avoid wearing shiny jewelry that may attract fish, and not swim alone. It is also advisable to pay attention to the signs and warnings about marine life on the beach.
How common are barracuda attacks in Florida?
Attacks by barracudas on humans are uncommon in Florida. However, incidents do occur occasionally, especially in shallow waters where barracudas can become confused.
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