On the morning of 24/6, Dang Van Tang, 29, was diving for seafood in the waters of the Truong Sa archipelago when he was suddenly struck in the left side of his neck by a needlefish. The impact caused a serious injury.

The fisherman injured by a needlefish receives treatment at the infirmary on Sinh Ton Dong Island. Photo: Tu Da

The fisherman injured by a needlefish receives treatment at the infirmary on Sinh Ton Dong Island. Photo: Tu Da

Tang was brought to the infirmary on Sinh Ton Dong Island. He was conscious but had a laceration in his left sternocleidomastoid muscle with a hard object embedded in the wound. He complained of pain in his neck and left chest.

Doctors widened the wound, removed damaged tissue and the foreign object, then sutured the wound to stop the bleeding. Tang received intravenous fluids, antibiotics, tetanus antitoxin, and pain medication. He is now in stable condition and recovering well.

Needlefish are slender, measuring 15–40 cm in length. Their elongated lower jaws resemble a sword and can cause injuries when the fish dart rapidly through the water. They are typically found in tropical waters and can be aggressive if provoked or at night when attracted by light.

Bui Toan