A case of electrocution during illegal fishing activities.
The passage of electric current through the human body causes variable harm, ranging from loss of consciousness to death caused by paralysis of the bulbar nerve centers. This report describes a fatal case caused by an illegal fishing practice involving stunning fish with electric shocks produced by an electric generator carried through the water inside the carcass of an old refrigerator to keep it afloat. This occurrence is unusual because of the circumstances giving rise to the use of electric current and the cause of death, which resulted from the combination of the electric current produced by the generator and the saltwater, bringing about death by drowning.
Di Nunno
Nunzio
N
Department of Interna Medicine and Public Medicine, University of Bari, Italy. forem@medicinalegale.uniba.it
Vimercati
Luigi
L
Viola
Luigi
L
Vimercati
Francesco
F
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D004556:Electric Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004559:Electric Wiring / Q000295:instrumentation; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005399:Fishes; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D011998:Recreation; D013177:Sports / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence