Tourist Dragged Screaming From River After His Neck Got Impaled On Foot-Long Needlefish (Photos)

A tourist was attacked and gruesomely impaled in the neck by a foot-long needlefish in a horrifying attach while swimming off the coast of Thailand.

The victim, Noppadol Sringam, was swimming with friends at the famed Ao Tan Khu beach, a popular tourist site in the southeastern province, when he was impaled in the neck.

The fish is still lodged in his neck, according to images released of him lying in a hospital bed with.

The accident took place on Thursday (March 31), at 1pm local time. The area is known for its white sandy beaches and coral reefs and is a popular destination amongst locals and tourists.

Witnesses said they heard Noppadol urgently beg for help from the sea before a brave passerby jumped in and pulled him back to shore.

Afterwards, he was given first aid before being transported to a nearby hospital in Trat.

Whilst Needlefish are commonly found in shallow coastal sea such as the one Noppadol was swimming in, this is the first time one has been seen in Ao Tan Khu.

Often referred to as “long toms” the fish can make short jumps out of the water and can attach themselves to people.

However, the neck piercing was a particularly rare case for the area.

Local official Suchart Jitmungmanotham has urged visitors to take extra caution while swimming in the areas and more officers have been posted around the beach to ensure our safety.

The governor of Trat, Chamnanwit Terat is currently awaiting more details on the attack and the causes.

Although the attacks are rare, they are not unheard of. The needlefish leaping out of water has been known before and there have been three reported deaths from this issue. But Noppadol Sringam is known to be recovering.

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Source: Daily Star UK