TRAT, Dec 13 (TNA) – The Navy’s special force soldier was punctured by a needle fish into the neck during a training in Trat province and later died at hospital.
The case is believed to be the country’s first death from being punctured by the needlefish.
The incident occurred at 3.40 a.m. on Wednesday when Petty Officer 2nd class Kriengsak Pengpinit underwent a 60-hour crisis management programme in the sea in Leam Ngop district.
The training is part of the three-month reconnaissance curriculum, in which he entered the second month of training in the sea.
He was stabbed by the needlefish in the neck and was severely wounded. The soldier lost a lot of blood and was pronounced dead at hospital.
A marine biologist and lecturer at Kasetsart University, Thon Thamrongnawasawat said the needlefish can be found both in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman sea.
They are shallow water fish and stay near the surface of the water. The largest ones can grow to 70-80 cms. long.
The fish are not fierce and do not normally attack human. However, they swim fast and could hurtle forward when they are excited or frightened. (TNA)
