An underwater hunting enthusiast killed by a harpoon shot off the coast of Vendée

A spearfishing enthusiast died during a sea trip on Monday October 28, 60 km off the coast of Les Sables-d'Olonne in Vendée. This 48-year-old man was hit by a harpoon arrow from one of his fishing partners.

The victim's name was Benjamin Brisson. The man was known in the spearfishing community. He shared his passion for freediving fishing on his YouTube channel AKAM Spearfishing, which was followed by more than 15,000 people.

Benjamin Brisson was an entrepreneur. He was married and the father of three children. His freediving partners at sea deplore the loss of a “friend” or even a “brother”, says the local newspaper The Sands.

The man who fired the shot was in shock when he emerged from the water. He was taken care of by emergency services, indicates West France. An investigation was opened for manslaughter by the Sables-d'Olonne public prosecutor's office. It is led by the maritime gendarmerie. She will have to shed light on this fatal shooting.

Underwater hunting is a risky sport even if accidents remain rare. Around ten people die while practicing spearfishing each year in France, according to a report from the National Observation System for the Safety of Nautical Activities.