A sailfish weighing over 45 kg struck the groin of a 73-year-old woman while she was standing on a boat off the coast of Florida. The incident resulted in the victim being hospitalized.
Sailfish. (Photo: iStock).
Authorities reported that the attack occurred while two other individuals on the boat were attempting to catch the fish. The incident took place about 3.2 km off Stuart, Florida, on the morning of July 19, according to a report from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, as reported by USA Today.
The sailfish leaped out of the water and struck the woman in the groin as she stood next to the boat’s center console.
The incident happened so quickly that the woman did not have time to react, she stated.
The victim has been identified as Katherine Perkins, 70, from Arnold, Maryland. She was in good health as of July 24, a spokesperson for HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital told CNN.
According to Ocean Conservancy, sailfish are considered by many to be the fastest fish in the ocean.
Louis Toth and Dominic Bellezza, two other passengers on the boat, reported that the sailfish seemed to hit the boat before leaping out of the water and striking Ms. Perkins.
