A 25-year-old Brazilian diver tragically lost his life following a suspected encounter with a venomous lionfish while diving off the northeastern coast of Brazil.
According to a report in the Daily Mirror, Tiago Rodrigues da Silva, an experienced diver and father, was on a recreational dive near the town of Grossos in Rio Grande do Norte state on May 18 when the incident occurred. According to local reports, Tiago was stung multiple times by a lionfish—a species known for its venomous spines capable of causing severe reactions in humans.
Tiago was diving from a small fishing vessel alongside his father when he alerted him that he had been stung.
Despite urgent efforts to assist him, Tiago passed away before the boat could return to shore, where emergency medical personnel were on standby. His body was transported to nearby Areia Branca for a memorial service.
While an official cause of death has not yet been confirmed by local authorities, preliminary findings suggest the symptoms were consistent with lionfish envenomation.
Lionfish (Pterois spp.), originally native to the Indo-Pacific, have become an invasive species in parts of the Atlantic and the Caribbean, and sightings off the coast of Brazil have increased in recent years. Their venomous spines can cause intense pain, swelling, respiratory difficulties, and in rare cases, cardiac arrest or death, particularly if the victim has an allergic reaction or receives multiple stings.
Tiago’s family described him as a skilled and seasoned diver who had spent many years in the water. His sudden passing has shocked the local diving community and highlighted the ongoing threat posed by invasive marine species.
This tragic incident underscores the importance of awareness and safety protocols when diving in regions where venomous marine life is present. Divers are encouraged to receive training on identifying and avoiding hazardous species like lionfish and to carry appropriate first aid equipment when diving in remote areas.
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