CARNOUSTIE, Angus (15 July 2004) -- A SCUBA DIVER has described how he was attacked by a giant conger eel 100 feet down in the North Sea. George Telfer, 42, was exploring a shipwreck when the 12ft long conger bit his hand. With razor-sharp teeth sinking deep into him, Telfer was then dragged through the wreck by the 250lb beast in a life-or-death tussle on the sea-floor. The death-grip could have finished the diver, who has more than 17 years experience exploring reefs and treacherous waters across the world. Yesterday, Telfer, of Carnoustie, Angus, said: 'I was exploring the wreck of a World War II trawler eight miles off the coast of St Andrews with a friend when, from out of nowhere, this giant eel appeared. 'The first I knew about it was when I felt a sharp pain in my hand. I knew straight away I had been bitten. 'I then turned and faced the eel. It was almost 12 foot long. Instinctively, I tried to pull my hand away but the eel withdrew back into the bowels of the ship, taking me with it. 'The eel was so strong it managed to drag me several feet into the ship. It was sheer muscle and large eels are known for their ability to drag divers off without any bother. 'But somehow, I grabbed onto the eel with my free hand and squeezed it as hard as I could. That must have scared it off.' | | Conger eel Telfer, a diving officer with the Scottish Sub Aqua Club, was left with bite marks and a bruised face after being slammed against the heavy doors and metal walls of the trawler by his attacker. He added: 'I used to play with conger eels when I was diving on the west coast and used to cuddle them. 'But this one was less than friendly. I think it was protecting its young. 'It was probably doing what any mother would do. 'But I suppose I am lucky to be alive because eels that size can easily pin a diver to the seabed.' SOURCE - Daily Record"Do not feed fish, do not attempt to touch marine animals." United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) |
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