Barracuda exits water 'like a torpedo,' bites 13-year-old boy in Florida

Published January 08, 2015

A teenage boy is recovering after a 5-foot barracuda apparently jumped into his father's boat and slashed his arm and chest.

The incident happened Sunday while 13-year-old Parker King was fishing with his dad, Irwin King.

The teen told The Daytona Beach News-Journal the barracuda came out of the water "like a torpedo" and left a long, deep gash under his arm and across his chest. He was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center, where he underwent two surgeries to repair the damage. He's now sporting 27 staples and 17 stitches.

Florida Fish and Wildlife biologist Ed Matheson says barracudas have "nasty teeth" that can cause serious damage.

Parker says he won't stop fishing, but he'll never try to catch a barracuda again.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/us/barracuda-exits-water-like-a-torpedo-bites-13-year-old-boy-in-florida