17.12.2025 22:10
An English tourist named Andy McConnell, who was on vacation in the Philippines, unknowingly came into contact with one of the world's deadliest marine creatures, the blue-ringed octopus. McConnell went viral on social media with a video of himself holding the creature on the beach. However, the danger of this encounter became apparent later. Experts pointed out that the venom of blue-ringed octopuses is about 1,000 times more lethal than cyanide.
An English tourist vacationing in the Philippines narrowly escaped a major danger after coming into contact with a marine creature he encountered in shallow waters, which he believed to be harmless. Experts warned that the venom of this creature is approximately 1,000 times more lethal than cyanide.
THOUGHT IT WAS A SMALL OCTOPUS
In a video shared by McConnell on Instagram, he is seen picking up a small octopus he found in the shallow waters of the Philippines and filming it. Although the tourist described the creature as "beautiful" and "harmless," viewers and marine life experts quickly realized that this species is the highly venomous blue-ringed octopus.
VENOM 1,000 TIMES STRONGER THAN CYANIDE
Blue-ringed octopuses contain tetrodotoxin (TTX) in their venom, and this neurotoxin can paralyze the human nervous system, leading to respiratory failure. According to scientific data, this venom can be about a thousand times more potent than cyanide and can have fatal effects within seconds if not treated appropriately.
DEADLY DANGER IN CLOSE CONTACT UNNOTICED
After the video went viral, viewers and experts noted that the tourist was unaware of the danger. McConnell later described the incident as "a brush with death," stating that this experience was a serious warning for him.
WARNING FROM EXPERTS
Marine biologists and safety experts recommend the following to vacationers who encounter venomous species like the blue-ringed octopus:
Do not touch any marine creature with your hands.
Colorful or interesting-looking species can be particularly dangerous.
Seek medical help immediately if signs of poisoning are observed.
These warnings emphasize the fact that improper contact can have deadly consequences.