Neurotoxin-laden 'devil crab' causes vlogger's death

Popular food vlogger Emma Amit dies two days after consuming neurotoxin-laden 'devil crab' while filming for social media.

Philippine authorities issued an urgent warning, urging residents to exercise caution after a food influencer died from consuming a highly toxic crustacean known as "devil crab", the NY Post reported on 12/2.

Video: Emma Amit

The incident occurred on 4/2, when Amit, 51, and her friends caught seafood in a mangrove forest near her home. A video shows Amit consuming sea snails cooked in coconut milk and other seafood, including a colorful "devil crab". One day after the meal, she developed severe poisoning symptoms and her health rapidly deteriorated. She was hospitalized in a coma, experiencing purple lips and violent convulsions. Despite dedicated medical efforts, Amit passed away two days later. Doctors confirmed the cause of death as toxins present in the crab.

Laddy Gemang, chief of Luzviminda village, confirmed that local officials discovered several "devil crab" shells in Amit's trash. The Smithsonian Institution of Biology states that "devil crabs" typically inhabit coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific region. This crustacean contains a deadly mix of neurotoxins, including saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin, similar to those found in pufferfish. The institution warns against consuming this crab, as its appealing appearance belies its ability to claim lives within hours.

In the widely circulating video, Amit is seen eating various seafood. *Photo: Gulf News*

Gemang expressed confusion over Amit's death, noting that both she and her husband were experienced fishermen, knowledgeable about the sea. "This is a heartbreaking incident; they should have known the danger," Gemang stated. "As people connected to the sea, I am certain they understood the toxicity of the devil crab. Why she still ate it is perplexing."

Prior to this incident, local authorities had warned residents against consuming poisonous marine creatures. "I urge the people of Puerto Princesa to be doubly vigilant," Gemang emphasized. "Do not eat this dangerous devil crab; it has claimed two lives in our town. Do not gamble with your own lives."

Authorities are closely monitoring the health of Amit's companions for any poisoning symptoms. The incident has shocked the local community, leaving her friends and relatives dismayed. Beverly Villanueva, a friend of the victim, described Amit's passing as a "sudden shock".