SOMETHING FISHY

WATCH: Gang of Swordfish Attack and Injure 7 Swimmers on Popular Beach

The beach-goers were rushed to hospital with their feet and ankles covered in blood after the incident in southeast Brazil.

A group of swimmers were attacked by a gang of angry swordfish on a popular Brazilian beach, leaving them with horrific injuries. The swimmers were in the water at Baleia beach, Costa Azul, Rio das Ostras, southeast Brazil, Monday when they encountered the swordfish. The group rushed out of the water with their ankles and feet covered in blood. The victims initially feared a shark or barracuda was responsible. Gerusa Barcelos, a tourist whose son, Gustavo Barcelos, 21, needed four stitches, said the dangerous fish weren’t visible. “Several young people were playing ball in the sea, having fun. And they all came out, saying they had been bitten by some animal. A lot of blood on their legs, feet,” she said. The victims were rushed to hospital, but have already been released. Experts say it is common at this time of year for swordfish, which have razor-sharp teeth, to swim close to the coast. The movement of the swimmers may have spooked them and caused them to launch their assault.