Swordfish Impales, Kills Fisherman In Hawaii
A Hawaiian fisherman has been killed by a six-foot-long swordfish after he entered the water in an attempt to spear the deadly animal.
Randy Llanes, 47, of Kailua-Kona, spotted the swordfish swimming in the back area of Honokohau harbor, close to the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) harbor office. According to Hawaii News Now, Llanes entered the water in an attempt to spear the fish around 11 a.m., and was successful in striking the animal. Once he had speared the swordfish, however, it turned violent, defending itself with a three-foot-long bill that is, itself, shaped like a spear.
Hawaii man impaled, killed by swordfish – http://t.co/HCkeV2PGyT pic.twitter.com/JvWkQxcaSR
— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 31, 2015
According to Lt. William Souther of the Hawaii Police Department, the swordfish “thrashed about, leaving a puncture wound to [Llanes’] upper chest.” Acting Sgt. David Matsushima of the Kona Patrol noted to KHON that the swordfish “got wrapped around a mooring anchor, came back and swam at [Llanes].”
Officials from the DOBOR, as well as nearby witnesses, relate that the swordfish struck Llanes in the chest, leaving him unresponsive. Onlookers pulled Llanes out of the water and attempted CPR before paramedics transported him to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Fisherman Randy Llanes dies after tussle with swordfish in Hawaii http://t.co/gHTF4fFLhR pic.twitter.com/h84o3o1dRr
— NBC News (@NBCNews) May 30, 2015
The swordfish that killed Llanes died in the incident, as well, and images of it lying at the water’s edge were shown by KITV. The Department of Land and Natural Resources asserted that the swordfish was six-feet-long, including a three-foot-long bill, and that it weighed roughly 40 pounds.
Hawaiian fisherman dies in struggle with swordfish he speared http://t.co/wEqX7uWMG1 pic.twitter.com/SUdjgyiogu
— Times LIVE (@TimesLIVE) May 31, 2015
The swordfish is hardly the first sea creature to attack a fisherman this year. In April, a sea lion was photographed attacking a San Diego angler, pulling him underwater in an attempt to steal a fish he was holding. As the Inquisitr previously reported, the fisherman was injured, suffering lacerations that proved to be non-life-threatening.
Swordfish are considered aggressive animals, and have a habit of using their bills to slash at prey. Hawaii is one of the main sources of domestic swordfish catch in the United States, and also home to a vibrant fishing industry.
A memorial service was held for Llanes following his death, where family and friends remembered him as an avid and experienced angler. Mourners jumped in the water, swimming out and bringing a traditional lei to the spot where the swordfish struck Llanes as a way to honor the fallen fisherman.
[Image: KHON / Facebook via the Atlanta Journal Constitution]