Expert: Walter Hintz - 7/18/2010

Question
How does decomposition of human bodies at sea progress? I am writing a mystery book, and some of my characters are killed by being thrown into the Atlantic Ocean tied to heavy weights. However, I'd like evidence of this deed to be found.

Answer
 Hi gerlinde
Decomposition occurs through bacterial action the same as it would on land. Sea animals also bring about decomposition. Fishes ,crustaceans, and invertebrates do their job. There is one interesting creature called a hagfish in the ocean. It is a lamprey that eats its way through the body wall. If you want to gross your readers out this factual. Hagfish attack the body enmass and eat their way into the body cavity. If the body comes to the surface it is filled with squirming eels. I read where a marine biologist called the hagfish the most disgusting creature on Earth