| Q: |
Where did you get attacked? |
| A: |
I was surfing at Coral Cove Park, Jupiter Island. It's an all reef
beach. |
| Q: |
What happened the day of your attack? |
| A: |
I had just jumped in the water and paddled fifty yards out, when
I saw something out of the corner of my eye coming at me. I realized
that it was a shark when I saw its head and fin. As I started to pull
my hand back, it grabbed me. It came out of the water thrashing, trying
to rip off my hand. It nearly pulled me off my board. Then it gave
up and let go. |
| Q: |
What did you do next? |
| A: |
I looked at my hand and could see a bone sticking out. There was
blood everywhere! I tried paddling in with just my uninjured hand,
but I was getting nowhere, and was forced to use both hands. When
I reached the beach, I ran about a half mile to the lifeguard tower
for help. They instantly called 911 and began bandaging my wounds.
When the ambulance arrived, I was taken to the hospital. |
| Q: |
How many stitches did you get? |
| A: |
30 |
| Q: |
What damage did the shark cause to your
hand? |
| A: |
It ripped the tip of my pinky finger almost completely off, and
the tendon and nerve were cut. I lost the nail and have permanent
damage to my finger. It's still very tender. |
| Q: |
What was the water visibility? |
| A: |
There was a full moon and a low pressure system had just passed
through. The waves were about eight feet which made the water murky. |
| Q: |
Did you see any bait fish? |
| A: |
I noticed a small amount, and remember seeing schools of jacks in
the area. |
| Q: |
Have you been back in the water since
your attack? |
| A: |
No. My finger hasn't healed enough yet to go back in the water to
surf. |
| Q: |
Are you nervous about going back in? |
| A: |
I could go back in with no problem at other beaches, but at Coral
Cove Park, I will definitely be nervous. |
| Q: |
How do you feel about sharks now? |
| |
I don't have any problem with sharks. They are out there. In the
past, I have seen schools of sharks while surfing, and have been run
out of the water by them. This particular time, I didn't see the shark
until the last minute. The chances of getting attacked by one are
so minimal. It's just the luck of the draw. |
| |
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