Surviving a Double Shark Attack: A Florida Man’s Terrifying Story
Marlin Wakeman, a 24-year-old Florida man, recently had a harrowing experience while on a fishing trip in the southern Bahamas. Falling into the water, he found himself surrounded by a multitude of sharks, not just one, but many. In an interview with ABC News, Wakeman shared his terrifying story of survival.
Wakeman vividly recalled the moment he fell into the water, saying, “Next second, I’m in the water with, you know, a lot of sharks. I knew immediately, I gotta get back in the boat or this is gonna be really bad.” Despite still holding onto the boat, he was bitten by one of the sharks.
The waters surrounding Clarencetown’s Flying Fish Marina in the Bahamas are known for being infested with dozens of sharks. This area is popular among fishermen who often clean fish and throw scraps into the water. Ron Magill, a wildlife expert at Zoo Miami, explained that the sharks have learned that there is a regular source of food in this location. As a result, they enter a feeding frenzy, competing against each other to get as much food as quickly as possible.
Wakeman’s underwater ordeal lasted only a few seconds, but the fear of being attacked by multiple sharks lingered. He shared, “When I was underwater it was, you know, two seconds. And mainly the worst thing I thought was, you know, I don’t want to get eaten by 10 sharks.” Fortunately, Wakeman managed to escape with his life.
After being bitten, Wakeman received stitches in the Bahamas and flew back home to Florida the following day. Doctors estimate that the shark responsible for his injuries was at least seven feet long, and his wound is over a foot in length. Remarkably, the shark missed his artery by mere inches. Dr. Robert Borrego, a trauma surgeon at St. Mary’s Medical Center, expressed amazement at Wakeman’s survival, saying, “The fact that there’s 20 sharks in there and you were able to get out of there and still have a leg is amazing.”
Reflecting on the terrifying incident, Wakeman realizes just how lucky he was to escape relatively unscathed. He expressed gratitude, saying, “I realized, you know, how lucky I got. It was just, you know — thanking my angels.”
In light of this incident, wildlife experts emphasize the importance of knowing what to do if you find yourself in the water with sharks. Their advice is to try to exit the water as quickly as possible. However, they also suggest fighting back. Punching the shark in the nose can be an effective strategy since it is a sensitive area and may deter the animal.
Marlin Wakeman’s survival story serves as a reminder of the dangers lurking beneath the ocean’s surface. It also highlights the importance of understanding shark behavior and taking necessary precautions when in their territory. While shark attacks are relatively rare, incidents like Wakeman’s serve as a wake-up call to remain vigilant and prepared when enjoying the ocean’s wonders.
In conclusion, Wakeman’s encounter with not one but two sharks showcases the unpredictability of nature. His story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone venturing into waters known for shark activity. By sharing his experience, Wakeman hopes to raise awareness about the potential dangers of sharks and educate others on how to stay safe in their presence.
