A MAN has died suddenly in Bowen (Queensland Australia)after eating a stonefish.

(It is the most dangerous of known venomous fish and its venom causes severe pain with possible shock, paralysis, and tissue death depending on the depth of the penetration. This level can be fatal to humans if not given medical attention within a couple of hours)

The 45-year-old man became ill rapidly after consuming the fish on Sunday afternoon, and died in hospital a short time later.

Bowen officer-in-charge Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Inmon said the deceased man was a seasonal worker from Fiji.

It was believed he had spent several seasons working in the Bowen area.

Bowen Mayor Mike Brunker believed the man had eaten a stonefish, which he had caught off the town jetty.

Police were notifying the man's family yesterday, and his name had not been released.

Det Snr-Sgt Inmon said police believed the man had been poisoned by a toxin that exists naturally in the fish.

"Police believed the man was aware of the potential dangers of consuming this type of fish," Det Snr-Sgt Inmon said.

However, he filleted it and cooked it up for himself and two others at a barbecue on the Esplanade.

A Queensland Ambulance spokesman said the ambulance had been called to the Esplanade about 3pm.

"One man was displaying an altered level of consciousness and was complaining of chest pains," the spokesman said.

"He lost consciousness in the ambulance on the way to hospital and died shortly after arrival."

The spokesman said ambulance officers went back to the Esplanade following his death, to locate others who may have eaten the fish.

It was believed two other people had consumed the tainted flesh.

One man was taken to Bowen Hospital for observation, however he was not displaying any ill effects from consuming the fish. He was later released.

The other man could not be found.

Cr Brunker said the council would clean the barbecues to make sure there were no traces of the stonefish's venom.

Det Snr-Sgt Inmon said police had taken a sample of the fish, that had not been eaten, and it was undergoing testing.

Police could not confirm what type of fish the man had eaten yesterday.

However, Det Snr-Sgt Inmon said police believed the large fish had been caught in the Bowen area.

Det Snr-Sgt Inmon said the tragedy served as a timely warning for all fishermen, to double check the safety of their catch.

"If there is any doubt as to the safety of what you're about to consume, especially with inexperienced people or amateurs, get advice from other fishermen or fisheries," he said.

http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,20130131%255E14787,00.html

Submitted on 08/15/2006

Submitted by: SEvan
Reference: Townsville Bulletin 15.08.2006

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
Right. I knew all about the poisonous stonefish in 3rd grade. What was this fellow trying to prove? I suppose he was hoping to enjoy it along with a side dish of sauteed toadstools! There is really no excuse for this sort of stupidity. Whatever the case, this one is stupid enough for me, and should get a shot at a DA!

Fitzroy said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
I agree that it meets all the criteria, but for some reason the funny in it didn't register with me. Still, intellectually I see the potential, so hopefully if Darwin likes it she can work her magic to shine a spotlight on that potential.

Sheryl said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
I agree with Fitzroy here - the funny side didn't show for me. Also, the line "Police believed the man was aware of the potential dangers of consuming this type of fish" worries me a bit. There's no real confirmation he knew what it was.

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