MAN KILLED BY FLYING FISH

Tragedy strikes family fishing trip in Darwin Harbour

AN afternoon fishing trip went horribly wrong when a freak accident caused a man to go into cardiac arrest.

The 56-year-old was fishing with family and friends when he was struck in the chest by a large fish that launched itself into the boat. The group made a mercy dash to Cullen Bay, but the man died despite the best efforts of paramedics.

TRAGEDY struck a family fishing afternoon when a freak accident caused a man to go into cardiac arrest.

The 56-year-old was fishing with family and friends in Darwin Harbour on Friday when he was struck in the chest by a large fish that launched itself into the boat.

The group made a mercy dash to Cullen Bay, where they were met by police and paramedics who administered CPR.

Police said the man died at the scene.

NT Police said it appeared to be “a freak incident”.

“(It) is hugely distressing for the people in the boat and other family and friends of the man,” a statement read.

While police are yet to reveal the exact cause of the man’s death, a spokesperson for St John said an ambulance crew was called to resuscitate the victim.

“I don’t have the exact cause of the man’s death.

“Paramedics were called approximately 4.30pm and at the time of the call the patient was breathing,” the spokesperson said.

“The patient then experienced difficulty in breathing and then the request was upgraded and CPR started while he was on the boat being brought back to Darwin.

“The patient was still in the boat when we received the first call.

“We continued trying CPR when the boat arrived at Cullen Bay. The resuscitation was started on the boat and our crew continued to try to revive the man when he was removed to the dock.

“A very sad event when a day of fishing ends this way.”

Police have asked that the family’s privacy be respected.

Anglers took to Facebook to mourn the loss of one of their own.

“That is so sad, such a traumatic thing for all on the boat, condolences to the family and friends xoxo,” Deb Taipale wrote.

“Ahh condolences to the family and friends, not something you’d expect to happen on a family outing,” Sholan Palavi posted.

“What a Territory way to go, fishing with family and friends. Rest easy mate.”