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David Hunt, Florida, USA
October 20, 1999 - 9 foot Lemon Shark

David was surfing in the Atlantic Ocean at Satellite Beach in Florida. He was attacked by a 9 foot Lemon shark.

Interview Date: 1-16-01
Q Where did your attack happen?
A Satellite Beach, Fl. A place called Pet Den.
Q What happened the day of your attack?
A: I was surfing on my lunch break. I took a couple of waves and started to paddle back out. Then a 9 foot lemon shark swam partially under my board and grabbed my wrist and hand. It hit so hard that it pulled my arm out of its socket.
Q Did it let go?
A: It was trying to muscle his way under my surfboard. Its tail was thrashing in the air and I was teeter tottering on his back. Then it tried to take me under. I ripped my hand out of its mouth so hard that I did a 360 in the water. Blood was everywhere.
Q Was anyone there to help?
A: No, I was surfing alone. I was psyched because it was a beautiful sunny day with nobody out, and the waves were 4-5 ft and glassy.
Q What happened after you pulled your hand out?
A: I caught a wave and stood up on my board. I was looking at my hand to see the damage. I tried to make a fist but couldn't. My knuckles were clicking together. The shark tore all the tendons in my hand.
Q Did you notice any bait fish in the water?
A: No.
Q What were you wearing?
A: Just my baggies (swim suit). I also had a watch on the hand that was attacked. It was silver and gold color.
Q How many stitches did you get?
A: 108
Q Do you have permanent damage?
A: I had surgery three weeks after the attack. My tendons had to be reattached, but I have recovered with full function of my hand.
Q Have you been back in the water?
A: Oh yeah. I went back in right after the stitches were removed. It hurt really bad, so I paddled back in.
Q Why do you think you were attacked?
A: Perhaps it was my watch, but I really think that I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
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