Free Diver Injured by Fishing Hook Embedded in Neck Near Eilat Beach

Julia, a 33-year-old free diver from Eilat, experienced a frightening accident last week when a fishing hook pierced her neck during a dive at a northern beach. She felt a sudden sharp impact and was pulled underwater before managing to exit the water on her own and seek medical help at Yoseftal Hospital. Upon arrival, doctors discovered that a triangular fishing hook attached to a fishing line had lodged in her neck.

Julia’s partner immediately cut the fishing line, and the couple was shocked to find no bleeding. Medical staff at Yoseftal were astonished by the unusual injury and took multiple images of the embedded hook. Dr. Michael Nash, a senior ENT and head and neck surgeon, explained that the hook was fortunately lodged above a muscle layer, sparing vital blood vessels and nerves beneath it. A specialized CT scan showed the hook’s tip was only about five millimeters away from critical blood vessels.

Due to the risk of severe bleeding or damage from uncontrolled removal, the medical team decided to operate. They carefully expanded the wound, exposed the tissues, located the hook’s tip, ensured no bleeding was present, and safely extracted the hook before suturing the area. Dr. Nash emphasized that if the hook had penetrated just five millimeters deeper, it could have caused life-threatening injuries.

He warned against attempting to remove such foreign objects independently, as any movement could worsen the injury. Immediate immobilization and prompt hospital treatment are essential for safe removal. Julia’s case highlights the dangers of fishing gear in recreational waters and the importance of professional medical intervention in penetrating injuries.