Piranhas attack bathing tourists at Brazilian beach

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 12 years ago

Piranhas attack bathing tourists at Brazilian beach

Carnivorous fish attacked bathers in a river in southern Brazil, leaving about 20 of them with bite wounds on their hands and feet, a news website said Monday, citing lifeguards.

The unusual attack occurred Sunday when a school of palometas, a species of piranhas, surprised hundreds of tourists bathing at a beach in Toropi, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

Lifeguards told the G1 website that 20 of the bathers suffered cuts on their hands and feet and were treated on the scene.

Loading

Firefighters said low water levels in the river, resulting in scarce food sources, may have prompted the feeding frenzy.

AFP

Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter

Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading