Florida man, Marlin Wakeman, recently made headlines after being attacked by a shark while working on a boat at a marina in the Bahamas. Wakeman, 24, spoke at a news conference held at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, where he expressed his determination to return to the Bahamas and the water as soon as possible. Despite the harrowing experience, Wakeman remains optimistic about his recovery, stating, “I may have some nightmares here or there, but I’ll be all right.”
The incident occurred on April 26 at the Flying Fish Marina in Long Island. Wakeman attempted to jump onto the docked boat he was working on when he accidentally slipped and fell into the water. Unfortunately, the marina is known to attract a significant number of sharks due to the presence of discarded fish carcasses. Wakeman estimated that at least 20 sharks are usually present in the area at any given time.
Within seconds of falling into the water, Wakeman was bitten on the leg by what he believed to be a Caribbean reef shark. As he struggled to escape, another shark struck him on the shoulder. The boat’s captain acted swiftly, tying a tourniquet around Wakeman’s leg before rushing him to a nearby clinic for immediate medical attention.
Wakeman was later flown to Florida for surgery at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Dr. Robert Borrego, a trauma surgeon at the hospital, assessed Wakeman’s injuries and determined that the shark had punctured his kneecap, narrowly missing a major artery. Based on the size of the bite mark, Dr. Borrego estimated the shark to be approximately 7 feet long. Despite the severity of the attack, Dr. Borrego remains optimistic about Wakeman’s prognosis, expecting him to make a full recovery.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that lurk beneath the surface of seemingly calm waters. Sharks are attracted to areas where food sources are abundant, and discarded fish carcasses can serve as a powerful magnet. It is essential for individuals working or spending time near marinas to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings, especially in regions known to have a high shark population.
While shark attacks are relatively rare, they do occur, and it is crucial to take necessary precautions to minimize the risk. Experts recommend avoiding swimming during dawn and dusk when sharks are most active. Additionally, refraining from wearing shiny jewelry and brightly colored clothing can help reduce the chances of attracting a shark’s attention.
Despite the traumatic experience, Marlin Wakeman’s resilience and determination to continue enjoying the ocean are commendable. His story serves as a testament to the human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity. As Wakeman embarks on his journey of recovery, his positive outlook and unwavering love for the water are an inspiration to us all.
