A Philippine food vlogger has died after consuming a highly toxic “devil crab” while filming content for social media, authorities have confirmed. Emma Amit, 51, succumbed to poisoning on , two days after harvesting and cooking the crab near her home in Puerto Princesa, Palawan province.
The incident, which has sparked warnings from health officials, highlights the dangers of consuming unfamiliar marine life, even for experienced fishers. Amit, along with her husband, was reportedly well-versed in local fishing practices, yet tragically underestimated the risks associated with the Zosimus aeneus crab – known locally as the “devil crab” due to its potent neurotoxins.
According to reports, Amit collected four types of shellfish on from a mangrove forest. She documented the process, including cooking the crab with coconut milk, for her online followers. Shortly after consuming the crab, she began to experience severe symptoms of poisoning. Neighbors reported she was convulsing while being transported to a local clinic, and her condition deteriorated rapidly, requiring transfer to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
An investigation led by Luzviminda village chief, Laddy Gemang, revealed discarded shells of the devil crab in Amit’s trash, confirming the source of the poisoning. “This is really saddening because they should have known,” Gemang stated, expressing shock that seasoned fishers would consume such a dangerous creature.
The devil crab contains a deadly combination of neurotoxins, including tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin, which can cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and death. Crucially, these toxins remain active even after the crab is cooked. The species is considered one of the most poisonous crabs in the Indo-Pacific region.
The tragedy is not isolated. Local media reports indicate that a friend who also consumed the crab was hospitalized, experiencing symptoms including drooling and numbness. Authorities recalled a similar incident in October of last year, where a 54-year-old fisherman died after eating the same species of crab in the same province. This marks the third death in the district linked to the consumption of the “really deadly” creature.
The devil crab is easily identifiable by its brightly colored shell, typically featuring a mottled pattern of reds and browns. Health officials are urging residents and tourists to exercise extreme caution when foraging for seafood and to avoid consuming any crab species they cannot positively identify as safe.
“We see really dangerous to eat this type of crab because it only takes a moment for the person who eats it to die,” Gemang warned. The incident underscores the importance of local knowledge and awareness regarding potentially toxic marine life, even for those with extensive experience in fishing and seafood harvesting.
The case has prompted renewed calls for public awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of the devil crab and other poisonous marine species found in Philippine waters. Authorities are currently monitoring individuals who may have been in contact with Amit or consumed seafood from the same source, seeking to identify any further potential cases of poisoning.
