Bear’ly survived: Thai fisherman’s face torn off in horror mauling
A Thai fisherman miraculously survived after a ferocious bear attack left him horrifically disfigured, ripping off most of his face, nose, and upper lip in a single devastating swipe.
The 60 year old victim was also mauled on the neck and stomach by what experts believe was an Asiatic black bear, a species known to attack humans when threatened.
It remains unclear how he managed to escape, but he was rushed to hospital, where doctors battled against the odds to save his life with a series of groundbreaking reconstructive surgeries.
The brutal attack, which took place late last year, was detailed in a surgical journal in December.
Dr Nutthawut Akaranuchat, who led the extensive facial reconstruction, described the fisherman’s gruesome injuries in detail.
“The accident caused massive trauma, including damage to the right eye, cheek, nose, upper lip, and part of the lower lip, along with severe fractures to the underlying bone structure.”
After initial life-saving procedures at a local hospital, the fisherman was transferred to a specialist centre for advanced reconstructive surgery.
Dr Akaranuchat outlined the multi-stage surgical process, which involved removing the right eyeball, using a skin flap from his thigh to cover the gaping wounds, and inserting a feeding tube to ensure he could receive proper nutrition.
The next phase of treatment was even more intricate, requiring a full nasal reconstruction using a forehead skin flap and rib cartilage from a cadaver.
Despite the horrific extent of his injuries, the fisherman made an astonishing recovery, reported The Daily Mirror.
Within two months, he was able to breathe through his new nostrils, open and close his remaining eye, and even eat normally again, said Dr Akaranuchat, who hailed the case as a medical triumph.
“This case demonstrates that incredible results can be achieved with a well-planned multi-stage reconstruction.”
The shocking attack serves as a grim reminder of the dangers lurking in Thailand’s wilderness, where one wrong step can turn a peaceful fishing trip into a fight for survival.
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