Freediver attacked by barracuda fish in Batangas waters

A freediver was exploring the waters of Mabini, Batangas with her partner when she was suddenly attacked by a barracuda fish.

As seen in Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Tuesday, the diver, Caren Cruz, ended up with a big cut on her back.

"Ang akala ko tumama 'yung fins nung pamangkin niya," she said.

Kuya Kim said that barracudas are known for their aggressiveness, which is caused by their strong predatory instinct.

Barracudas are also considered one of the primary predators of the ocean. They get aggressive when there is a threat to their territory.

One of their defenses are their large mouths with sharp teeth.

Great barracudas can grow up to six feet, making them good swimmers. They can also swim 25 miles per hour, which they use to find something to eat or also escape from their predator.

To avoid getting attacked by barracudas, swimmers should not wear shiny clothes.

"Nagiging aggressive sila kung tingin nila merong malapit sa 'yo na pwede nilang kainin, meron kang makinang na hawak, dito sila na-a-attract kasi akala nila isa 'to sa mga isda na pwede nilang kainin," Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines Executive Director AA Yaptinchay said.

Caren's partner, Iya Reyes, recalled that she was wearing jewelry at that time.

"Feeling ko talaga dahil siya dito sa bangle po kasi never akong naghubad na bangle," she said.

"Tapos katabi niya ako," Caren said.

Caren's wound eventually healed weeks after the incident.

"Hindi po namin dini-discourage 'yung mga interesado pong mag-dive. Nagkataon lang po talaga na hindi kami knowledgeable," Caren said.

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News