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A young fisherman, Yerraya, from Andhra Pradesh has been missing for over a week after being pulled into the sea by a massive 200 kg Black Marlin
The Black Marlin, known scientifically as ‘Istiompax indica’, is one of the most formidable species in the ocean.
In a chilling episode straight out of sea legends, a young fisherman from Andhra Pradesh has been missing for over a week after being pulled into the sea by one of the ocean’s fastest and most ferocious predators, a massive Black Marlin weighing nearly 200 kgs.
The incident occurred off the northern coast of Andhra Pradesh when Yerraya, a seasoned fisherman in his 30s, cast his net into the open sea. What he hauled in was no ordinary catch; it was the infamous Black Marlin, a giant among ocean predators, known for its lightning speed, raw power, and razor-sharp sword-like snout.
As the fish thrashed violently within the net, panic spread among the other fishermen aboard. The Black Marlin is notorious for tearing through nets and injuring fishermen, and this one was exceptionally large. Despite the alarm, Yerraya insisted on bringing the fish in, refusing to cut the net. “He’s been fishing since he was seven. He was a strong man who took pride in wrestling fish with his bare hands,” said one of his fellow fishermen.
But this time, the sea fought back.
As Yerraya tried to haul the marlin up, the powerful fish made a sudden, forceful dive. Caught off guard, Yerraya’s foot became entangled in the net. Before the others could react, the giant fish yanked him off the boat and into the deep. Within moments, both Yerraya and the marlin vanished beneath the waves. Despite desperate search efforts, there has been no sign of Yerraya since. His disappearance has left the fishing community stunned and shaken.
What Is The Black Marlin Fish?
The Black Marlin, known scientifically as Istiompax indica, is one of the most formidable species in the ocean. Reaching speeds of up to 110 km/h, it ranks among the fastest fish on Earth. These apex predators can grow up to 5 metres long and weigh as much as 900 kgs. Armed with a sharp, elongated bill, the marlin uses its snout to slash through schools of fish, and, in rare cases, even damage fishing boats.
On India’s east coast, especially in the Bay of Bengal, encounters with marlins are not unheard of. Fishermen occasionally find themselves grappling with these marine giants, but few such battles end as tragically as Yerraya’s.
“They’re called ‘sailor-pullers’ for a reason,” said marine biologist Dr Nalin Prasad, adding that when trapped, marlins thrash violently and are capable of pulling ropes, nets, and even people, into the water.
While dangerous, marlins are also prized catches. Their meat fetches high prices – often around Rs 1,000 per kg – making them a lucrative, albeit risky, target for fishermen. Still, experts caution that catching marlins should only be attempted with proper equipment and safety measures.
Beyond the physical dangers, marlins also pose a toxic threat. Like many large predatory fish, marlin flesh can contain high levels of mercury, making it unsafe for frequent consumption, particularly for children and pregnant women.
In the folklore of seafaring communities, the marlin is often cast as a mythical beast, the fish that can defeat even the bravest of men. With Yerraya’s disappearance, those age-old stories suddenly feel all too real.
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- Location :
Visakhapatnam, India, India
- First Published:
