Girl attacked by barracuda off Key West

KEY WEST, Fla. - A young girl was attacked by a barracuda during a family snorkeling trip in Key West.

A Miami Children's Hospital spokeswoman says 9-year-old Michelle Casasola underwent six hours of surgery following Sunday's attack. A doctor removed a nerve from the girl's leg and reattached it to her hand. She left the hospital Tuesday with dozens of stitches around her right hand.

During a news conference, Casasola said she was snorkeling when she felt something brush up against her. It took her several moments to realize that a fish was attacking her.

Casasola's mother identified the fish as a barracuda, and the doctor agreed a barracuda was the likely cause of the wounds.

The doctor believes Casasola should be able to regain full use of her right hand with therapy.