Russian Performer Dressed as a Mermaid Attacked by Giant Fish
CHINA – A giant fish attacked a Russian performer dressed as a mermaid during an underwater show for children at a Chinese aquarium.
According to The Daily Mail, the performer, identified as 22-year-old Masha, was swimming in a tank at Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park in southern China when she encountered the massive fish. In a video of the incident, the fish suddenly bit Masha’s head, nearly swallowing it whole. The terrifying moment prompted screams from children and other spectators watching the performance.
Despite struggling, Masha managed to break free from the fish’s grip after a brief struggle. Her goggles were destroyed in the attack, and she quickly swam to the surface for safety. Reports from Russia confirmed that she sustained injuries to her head, neck, and eyes. Photos of her bruised and scratched face later circulated on social media.
Masha claimed that despite her injuries, her employer insisted she return to the water and continue performing. She was also instructed not to share footage of the incident. However, the video quickly went viral on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. Despite the severity of her injuries and the trauma she endured, she was reportedly given only $100 in compensation.
The exact species of the attacking fish remains unclear, but reports indicate that the freshwater aquarium houses native fish from the Mekong and Yangtze Rivers.
The incident has sparked concerns over performer safety in aquatic shows, particularly regarding workplace conditions and employer accountability. Many social media users expressed outrage over Masha’s treatment, calling for stricter safety measures in such performances. This shocking event raises questions about the risks involved in underwater performances and highlights the need for better safety protocols to protect performers from potential harm.