Flying Fish Crash Into Boaters

Once-endangered sturgeon weigh up to 200 lbs, can't be killed
By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 4, 2007 5:37 AM CDT
Flying Fish Crash Into Boaters
A large sturgeon leaps from the water June 15, 2007 in front of an oncoming recreational water vehicle on the Suwannee River at Branford, Fla. These fish reach a length of 8 ft., weighing 200 lbs.,and have been responsible for a number of injuries on the Suwannee River when they jump into recreational...   (Associated Press)

Boaters on Florida’s Suwannee River have been knocked unconscious by "sturgeon strikes" as the muscular fish rocket through the air, the New York Times reports. The  collisions  have caused a broken pelvis, shattered leg and a slashed throat. The fish, which can weigh up to 200 pounds, have no teeth, only a mysterious compulsion to jump.

"The fish usually slaps people right across their face and upper chest," said one doctor. "Almost every one of them has been knocked unconscious." Gulf sturgeon, which date to prehistoric times, were declared a threatened species 15 years ago and are protected from fishing. (More Florida stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X