Officials in the Philippines are urging the public to exercise caution following the death of a food mogul after eating a poisonous crustacean known locally as “devil crab,” according to a New York Post report.
Despite medical efforts, he died on February 6, 2 days after consuming shellfish. (Unsplash/Representative Image)Emma Amit, 51, ate the poisonous shellfish while filming a social media video near her home in Puerto Princesa, a coastal town in Palawan province, the Post The report clip alleged that Amit and his friends were gathering shellfish in a mangrove forest on February 4 before cooking the catch in coconut milk.
In the video, he is seen biting into a sea snail prepared with other sea creatures in what appeared to be a seafood stew.
A day later, Amit fell seriously ill, reportedly suffering a seizure while being taken to a local clinic. His condition worsened, and he was shifted to hospital after his lips turned dark blue while unconscious. Despite medical efforts, he died on February 6, 2 days after consuming shellfish.
Lady Gemang, head of Luzwiminda village, said officials who visited Amit’s home found the bright shells of “devil crabs” scattered among his garbage, leading to an investigation.
The crustacean, commonly found on reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific, is known to carry potent neurotoxins such as saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin, the same toxins associated with pufferfish. Experts warn that ingesting these toxins can be fatal within hours.
(Also Read: Influencer Keith Castillo Faces Backlash After Handing Out Machetes, Alcohol To Homeless People)
‘Don’t gamble with life’Gemang expressed disbelief at the incident, noting that Amit and her husband were experienced fishermen. “It’s really sad because they should have known,” he said. “They live by the sea, so I know they know about this devil crab that is dangerous to eat. So why did he eat it? That’s what I’m confused about.”
More Read
Following the incident, local authorities warned residents against eating the brightly colored crabs, saying they had already been linked to several deaths in the area.
“To the residents of Puerto Princesa, I urge you to be doubly vigilant,” Gemang said. “Don’t eat these dangerous devil crabs because they have claimed two lives here in our town. Don’t gamble with your life.”
Officials are also monitoring Amit’s friends who were present during the meal for possible symptoms.
