Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jul 31

Texas Teen Undergoes Surgery After Barracuda Bite Severed 4 Tendons in Turks and Caicos

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jul 31

Texas Teen Undergoes Surgery After Barracuda Bite Severed 4 Tendons in Turks and Caicos

Q: How did a shiny bracelet turn a teen’s handstand in shallow Turks and Caicos water into a barracuda attack requiring surgery?

The attack appears to have happened because the barracuda likely mistook the teen’s shiny bracelet for prey. Claire Macdonel, 13, was doing handstands in about four to five feet of water in Turks and Caicos on July 19 when sunlight reflecting off her bracelet — and possibly a resort wristband — may have triggered a fast strike from the fish. Barracudas are visual ambush predators. Marine expert Yannis Papastamatiou of Florida International University said they can react quickly to reflective objects that resemble the flash of small fish. Claire said she suddenly felt intense pressure on her hand, then saw blood and a large silver tail swimming away. The bite was severe. It caused cuts and puncture wounds and lacerated four tendons, a nerve and a ligament in her hand, injuries serious enough to require surgery after she returned to Houston. Doctors have also warned the family to monitor closely for infection, a common concern with marine wounds. A nearby nurse helped control the bleeding by applying a tourniquet before Claire was taken from the water, a step her mother said likely prevented worse harm. Experts stress that attacks on humans are rare, but the case highlights a known risk: reflective jewelry can attract barracudas. Safety advice from marine specialists is to remove shiny items such as bracelets, watches and earrings before swimming or diving, and to remain still rather than thrash if a barracuda is nearby.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 31

13-year-old Claire Macdonel of Sugar Land, Texas, is recovering after a July 19 barracuda bite in shallow water in Turks and Caicos left four hand tendons, a nerve and a ligament lacerated.
A shiny bracelet likely triggered the attack while she was doing handstands over white sand, with the fish apparently mistaking the reflected light for prey.
A nearby nurse applied a tourniquet before Macdonel underwent surgery Wednesday; her mother said the blood loss raised fears she could lose fingers or even her hand.
Florida International University biologist Yannis Papastamatiou said barracuda bites on humans are rare but shiny jewelry and sudden movements can prompt strikes because the fish react quickly to perceived prey.
Macdonel said the attack has not put her off the ocean and is urging swimmers to remove reflective items before entering the water.