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For Gabriella S.* from Grossenbrode in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, swimming has become a ritual. Every day she plunges into the waters of the Baltic Sea, regardless of the weather.
This was also the case on that fateful day: “It was the anniversary of my father’s death, I really wanted to swim outside that day to commemorate him with flowers,” she tells the “Lübecker Nachrichten”. However, it was getting late before she reached the sea. But the sun had already set when she arrived at the beach. Although it was already dark, the German ventured into the cold water and swam out. Actually, she has a wetsuit for that. But that day she went into the Baltic Sea without it.
Sudden circular bite marks on the body
She stayed in the sea for about 20 minutes. When she got out of the water, she suddenly realized that she was injured. S. to the “Lübecker Nachrichten”: “The blood literally ran into my neoprene shoe under my right knee. When I looked closer, I saw the second and third wounds and all the blood.” But because the water was so cold, she didn’t notice the bite marks.
She didn’t know yet what exactly had hurt her. When she got home, she searched the Internet to see what kind of animal might be behind the circular bite marks. And her research showed: “I have been bitten by a needle several times.”
Never enter the Baltic Sea without a wetsuit again
Lampreys are not fish, but are considered vertebrates because of their many, pointed, horny teeth. They are eel-like animals that are considered living fossils. Lampreys are very rare and therefore protected. Lampreys may look scary and the bites hurt, but they are not venomous. Karl Deutschmann, marine biologist at the Laboe Marine Biological Station, makes it all clear: “Humans are not one of the lamprey’s targets.”
But the German has learned her lesson. She no longer goes into the Baltic Sea after sunset and without a wetsuit. (Unpleasant)
*Name known
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
