Food vlogger dies after ‘eating highly toxic devil crab’ in Puerto Princesa

February 12, 2026 – 10:24 AM

Food vlogger died after “eating highly toxic devil crab” in Palawan. (Viral Press via Reuters Connect)

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A food vlogger died after eating highly toxic devil crabs in the

Philippines

Footage shows Emma and her friends hunting shellfish and crabs in a mangrove forest near her house in the town of Puerto Princesa on February 4.

In the clip, she was seen relishing a bite of sea snail as she cooked the seafood in a large pot filled with coconut milk.

But Emma was said to have fallen gravely ill the next day as the potent cocktail of neurotoxins flooded her bloodstream.

Neighbors said Emma was convulsing as she was taken to a local health center. She was later rushed to a hospital when her health took a critical turn, her lips reportedly turning dark blue as she remained unconscious.

Despite efforts to treat her, the mother was declared dead on Friday, February 6.

Officials have since warned seaside residents to refrain from eating seafood they are not familiar with.

Laddy Gemang, chief of Luzviminda village, said he was confused by Emma’s death as she and her husband were both experienced fishers.

“This is really saddening because they should have known. She and her husband, they are both fisherfolk. They live by the sea, so I know they know about this devil crab that’s dangerous to eat. So why did she eat it? That is what I’m confused about,” he added.

“So to the residents of Puerto Princesa, I am urging you to be doubly vigilant. Do not eat these dangerous devil crabs because they have claimed two lives here in our town. Don’t gamble with your lives,” he added.

Officials said they were monitoring Emma’s friends for similar symptoms.

Local media reported that a 54-year-old fisherman in the coastal province had also perished from eating devil crabs in October last year.

Devil crabs, also known as toxic reef crabs, are a species of crab that live on coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific region.

Their shells and flesh contain the powerful neurotoxins tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin that remain potent even after hours of cooking.

The crabs are typically dark reddish-brown or cream with a striking pattern of red or brown patches.

—Viral Press via Reuters Connect; With Rosette Adel