Filipino food vlogger dies after consuming toxic devil crab in Palawan

Emma Amit, a 51-year-old food vlogger and fisherwoman from the Palawan province of the Philippines, passed away on February 6 after consuming a toxic devil crab. The incident began on February 4, when Amit was filmed fishing for crustaceans and shellfish with friends before cooking them in coconut milk. She reportedly fell ill the following day as neurotoxins entered her bloodstream, leading to severe convulsions. Neighbors assisted in transporting her to a local health center as her condition worsened. She was later transferred to a hospital, where she eventually succumbed to the poisoning despite medical intervention. Local officials expressed confusion over the incident, noting that as an experienced fisher living by the sea, Amit should have been aware of the dangers associated with the species. Devil crabs, also known as toxic reef crabs, contain tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin, which remain lethal even after hours of cooking. These crabs are typically identified by their dark reddish-brown or cream shells with distinct red or brown spots.