The Indian Ocean - Potential Hazards

The Indian Ocean, including the quiet lagoons and relatively sheltered areas protected by reefs, does have a number of hazards of which visitors should be aware. The following list is not intended to frighten anyone and should not discourage people from enjoying Kenya's coastal waters. In my years of snorkeling and spearfishing I enjoyed an incredibly beautiful world that many people never get to experience, yet never encountered anything that would keep me out of the water. Recognizing the various potential problems and using some common sense is simply the best way to ensure that your enjoyment will not be cut short by stumbling (or swimming) into something that could easily be avoided.

• Coral cuts
• Corals and Jellyfish
• Shells
• Stonefish, Stingrays, Moray Eels, etc.
• Sea Urchins

Coral cuts

Coral cuts are probably the most common injury. Coral often has jagged edges which easily cut through skin. Cuts should be washed thoroughly and treated with an antiseptic. If the wound does not heal quickly an antibiotic might be required.

Corals and Jellyfish

Coelenterates, the large class containing corals, jellyfish, and sea anemones, possess tiny stinging cells containing a barbed thread which shoots out when triggered. Although most stings are not noticeable, a few species can inflict painful and even dangerous stings.

Most of the jellyfish species found in shallow water off the Kenya shore are not particularly dangerous, but all jellyfish should be treated with respect. This applies equally to beached jellyfish, which can be quite numerous during some seasons. If stung, you should leave the water and apply methylated spirits or alcohol. This inhibits any remaining stinging cells from firing. DO NOT apply water, as it has the opposite effect and may actually cause the cells to discharge, resulting in further injury. If serious, medical attention should be obtained as soon as possible.

Fire coral, mainly the species Millepora platyphylla and Millepora dichotoma, can also cause painful stings, but are not dangerous. Both look like plate "coral" and can be recognized because they lack the individual coral polyp cups found on real coral.

A third coelenterate to watch out for is Lytocarpus, which has white or brownish-pink feathery tufts and looks much like a fern. It is often found on top of coral heads or growing around them and is extremely easy to brush against. Although harmless, it causes a mild weal and a fairly painful burning sensation which can remain for a number of days, a fact to which this author can personally attest.

Shells

While all shells should be handled with care, only two in the Kenyan coastal waters present any real threat. Both are cone shells, and as a general rule it is unwise to pick up living cone shells. Most cone shells are equipped with a needle-like apparatus which shoots out the narrow end of the shell. Conus geographus (at left) and Conus textile (at right) both have potentially dangerous venom. Any stings should be treated similarly to those of venomous fish and medical attention should be obtained as soon as possible.

Stonefish, Stingrays, Moray Eels, etc.

Fish can be divided into two main categories of potential hazards - those which have venomous spines and those which bite.

• venomous spines

  Fish in this category are generally stepped on or bumped against, as they are not usually aggresive and tend to lie on the bottom (Stonefish, Stingrays) or conceal themselves under coral overhangs (Lionfish). Please note that while the measures indicated for each type of wound often deal with most problems, secondary shock can be serious and medical attention should be obtained for all but the most minor stings.

  Stonefish, true masters of camouflage and containing one of the more deadly fish venoms, can be avoided by watching your step or using a stick to prod any suspicious "coral" that you might come across. It is unwise to trust your shoes for too much protection, as Stonefish spines are extremely strong and can often penetrate thick tennis shoes. If stung, you should leave the water immediately. Immerse the limb in hot water for at least thirty minutes, as this breaks down the protein-based poison. Do not make incisions around the wound or attempt to suck out the poison, as this apparently does little good. One reported effect of the poison is the urge to roll around on the ground. It is important to resist this and keep the limb in water. A Stonefish antivenin was developed in Australia in 1958, but may not be available in Kenya.

  Stingrays often lie half buried in sand in warm shallow water. They are not aggresive and will not react unless stepped on or approached too closely by a swimmer. Simple precautions like shuffling your feet when walking over sandy patches or poking the sand with a stick will generally make them swim harmlessly away. When one is stepped on, its tail lashes around and either punctures or lacerates the lower leg area with its barbs. Pain is immediate and intense, and medical attention may be required if the wound is serious.

• Bites

  Most fish encountered inside a reef are incapable of inflicting serious bites. If a bite does occur, apply pressure to stop the bleeding, clean the wound thoroughly, and apply an antiseptic. Watch carefully for signs of infection, especially with eel bites, and get medical attention if needed.

  Sharks are not usually encountered except in the deeper waters of inner reef systems, and even then are generally small. As a general rule (as if you don't know this), treat every shark as potentially dangerous. Swim away quietly, avoiding any jerky movements and splashing as little as possible.

  Moray eels present a larger danger simply because they are often abundant on reefs of any size. Although not generally aggressive, they should not be annoyed, played with, or otherwise bothered. It is safest to view them from a distance. If an eel displays aggresive behavior by swimming towards or around you, it is best to back down and make an exit, even if that means leaving the water.

  Barracuda present the third potential biting hazard. Although less common than eels, they do enter reef systems and can be encountered individually or in hunting packs. It is advisable to refrain from provoking them, adopting the attitude that they won't bother you if you don't bother them.

Sea Urchins

Sea urchins present a constant hazard, both in the water and while walking on the reef. Some species have long spines which break off easily and contain a black or purplish dye. The dye, which is quite harmless, makes a wound apppear much more serious than it is. Wounds are simple puncture wounds and should be treated as such. Pieces of spine often break off in the wound and will be absorbed by the body as the wound heals. For this reason, it isn't necessary to dig the spines out. Attempting to do so will simply break them into smaller pieces and cause more soreness. The best remedy is to apply papaya skin or flesh to the wound, particularly if there are multiple punctures, as this aids in breaking down the spines.

Sea urchins, even those with small spines, should not be handled. Most have pincher devices between the spines and some are reported as containing venom. Again, it is better to be safe and enjoy them as they are than risk possible injury.

While not exhaustive by any means, this list attempts to point out a few things of which you should be aware. The best philosophy is that of understanding that hazards exist in the ocean as they do everywhere, but not allowing them to prevent you from enjoying the beauty of the ocean. With a little care and common sense, you can enter a different world and enjoy it fully.