Claire Macdonel underwent hand surgery after the July 19 attack but still hopes to become a marine biologist.
SUGAR LAND, Texas — A 13-year-old girl who was bitten by a barracuda during a family vacation in Turks and Caicos is recovering after surgery and says the frightening encounter has not diminished her love of the ocean.
Claire Macdonel was bitten on her left hand July 19 while doing an underwater handstand in shallow water near shore. Her mother, Jennifer Macdonel, said Claire suffered serious injuries that required lengthy treatment in Turks and Caicos before the family returned to the Houston area. Claire underwent surgery in Texas on July 29 and is expected to regain full use of her hand, according to reports from Houston television station KTRK.
The attack happened on the family’s first full day on the islands, where they had traveled to celebrate Claire’s birthday. Jennifer Macdonel said Claire had been doing handstands in clear, waist-deep water after the family returned from a parasailing trip. Claire said she suddenly felt intense pressure around her hand and saw a large silver tail moving away when the pressure stopped.
Claire was wearing a shiny bracelet and a resort wristband at the time. She and her family believe the reflective material may have attracted the barracuda, although they said the exact cause of the bite is unknown. Jennifer Macdonel said the family later learned that reflective jewelry can resemble small baitfish in the water.
Claire came out of the water screaming as blood ran down her arm, her mother said. Jennifer Macdonel helped her reach shore, where a woman who identified herself as a nurse stepped forward to assist. The nurse used a towel to make a tourniquet while the family waited for an ambulance.
At a local hospital, an orthopedic surgeon spent nearly five hours treating Claire’s hand, according to her mother. About three hours were devoted to cleaning the wounds and removing damaged tissue to reduce the risk of infection before later tendon repair could be performed in Texas. Jennifer Macdonel said infection was the surgeon’s greatest immediate concern.
Claire’s injuries included damage to tendons, a nerve and a ligament, according to KTRK. Her mother said Claire remained free of infection after returning home and that a Houston hand surgeon praised the treatment she received in Turks and Caicos. Claire is expected to spend about 10 to 12 weeks recovering, keeping her away temporarily from volleyball and dance.
Despite the injury, Claire did not want the family to end its vacation early. Her mother said the teenager was more upset about possibly losing time near the ocean than she was about the barracuda itself. Claire later named the fish “Suzie” and told her family she was not angry at the ocean.
Claire has wanted to become a marine biologist for years. She said the bite did not change her interest in animals or her plans to study them. Her mother said the experience appears to have made Claire more curious about marine life rather than fearful of it.
The family expressed gratitude to the nurse, ambulance crew, hospital staff and resort workers who assisted them. Jennifer Macdonel said Claire is preparing for rehabilitation and is expected to return to the water when her recovery allows.