Thursday was not the perfect day for swimming for Debbie Shoemaker of Toledo, Ohio. As she was enjoying a bath in Treasure Island waters, near the city of St. Petersburg she had the unpleasant surprise to have a pelican crashing into her cheek. The bird was apparently diving for fish.

Following the unprecedented incident, she was immediately taken to a local hospital where doctors needed 20 stitches to close the gash in her face, the Associated Press reported.

Paramedics from the St. Petersburg Beach Fire Department, who transported the woman to the hospital, were very surprised by the event. The agency’s chief actually said he had never heard of a pelican crashing into a person before.

Unfortunately, the pelican died after the crash due to the intense impact. According to a marine expert, it was looking for food and hit Shoemaker by accident. Pelicans grow to up to 30lb (13kg) and can dive from heights of 60 to 70 feet (18 to 21 meters).

The 50-year-old woman, who usually spends her holydays in Florida, returned home on Friday and is currently recovering from the accident. It remains to be seen how soon she will return to her favorite holiday spot. Maybe she will change her next destination and choose other places away from pelicans’ threat. Or not?...