Giant Tuna Capsizes Hawaiian Fisherman's Boat

Giant Tuna Capsizes Hawaiian Fisherman's Boat

A Hawaiian fisherman who reeled in a 200lb (105kg) tuna has been rescued after the giant fish caused his boat to capsize.

Anthony Wichman thought he had hooked the catch of the day when the fish took his bait off the island of Kauai.

But when the 54-year-old hauled the massive tuna from the ocean, his 14-foot boat capsized under the weight, throwing him into the sea.

Mr Wichman's leg then became caught in the fishing line, dragging him underwater.

He eventually managed to free himself and clambered onto the hull of his partially-capsized boat to call his wife.

The US Coast Guard sent a helicopter to rescue Mr Wichman, who was taken to a hospital in Lihue with minor injuries.

Meanwhile, his friends arrived on a second boat and were able to right his vessel before towing it - together with Mr Wichman's tuna, which was still attached to the line - back to port.

"At the end of the day, we couldn't have asked for a better rescue," said Coast Guard Lieutenant Jessica Mickelson.

"Mr Wichman was delivered safely to shore with minimal injuries and he and his friends will have quite the indisputable fish tale to tell."

Yellowfin, or ahi, tuna are found throughout the year in tropical waters and are often found close to anchored buoys, dolphins and other large marine animals.

Despite their short life span of between six and seven years, they can grow up to six feet long and weigh as much as 400lb (180kg), according to the US National Marine Fisheries Service .