iStockphoto / ernhkm/FishingPhotog
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna fish next to an offshore pelagic fish farm
Investigators in Malta believe that 41-year-old diver Redeemer Grima who was working on a fish farm at the time of his death may have lost his life to an Atlantic bluefin tuna. Diving equipment that was later found attached to the fish have led to the working theory.
Bluefin tuna are, of course, not predatory toward humans. But investigators suspect the 130+ pound (60kg) Atlantic bluefin became tangled in the diver’s equipment at a depth of around 100ft (30 meters) which led to the tragic drowning.
Did A Tuna Fish Kill A Diver In Malta?
Offshore fish farms are, in general, a fantastic innovation for the global food chain. It enables fish farmers to meet global demand for highly-prized species such as tuna without putting unnecessary stress on wild populations and causing fisheries to collapse.
They do have their downsides, such as high stress levels measured in the fish and they require a great deal of food themselves, but offshore fish farms are a massive win for sustainability overall. With that in mind, I have never heard of an incident such as this until now.
The Times of Malta reports “Grima, a 41-year-old professional diver from Rabat, died on Monday while he was working at a nearby fish farm. He was brought ashore at the Buġibba quay by the Armed Forces of Malta and was certified dead shortly afterwards.”
Adding “multiple sources close to the investigation told Times of Malta Grima died of drowning and was found without his buoyancy control device and diving tank. Grima had carried out two dives that day, the first at 6am and the second at 11am.”
The working theory from investigators is during the second dive the 130+ pound tuna got caught on a hook that was part of the diver’s equipment. From there, it is all guesswork. They believe it was possible he was then dragged around the water by the massive fish that had equipment stuck in its mouth and at some point he lost control of his diving equipment, all while nearly 100ft below the surface, and was not able to make it back up to the surface in time to breathe.
The Bluefin tuna was later found, also deceased, with the diver’s equipment in its mouth. That evidence is what led investigators to believe the fish caused the diver’s drowning.
Dive Magazine reports the diver had worked professionally in this field for 8 years prior to the incident and was very experienced. Following the incident, his body was recovered by members of the Armed Forces of Malta and he was pronounced deceased shortly afterward.
Once the body was recovered, he was found without his Buoyancy Control Device and tank. A spokesperson for the farm released the following statement: “our deepest sympathies and heartfelt thoughts are with Mr Grima’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. He was a valued member of our team and will be deeply missed by all those who worked alongside him.”
At this point, the investigation is ongoing.