In a testament to resilience and a steadfast love for the sea, Marlin Wakeman, 24, of Stuart, Florida, bravely recounted his harrowing encounter with sharks during a news conference held at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach on Thursday.
Despite a recent shark attack in the waters of the Bahamas, Wakeman expressed his determination to return to the ocean as soon as possible.
The incident occurred on April 26 at the Flying Fish Marina in Long Island, Bahamas, where Wakeman, engaged in his work on a docked boat, attempted a leap onto the vessel.
Little did he anticipate the peril lurking beneath the surface as he plummeted into the shark-infested waters. In an instant, the tranquility of the marina shattered as Wakeman found himself face to face with these formidable predators.
Speaking with remarkable composure, Wakeman described the heart-stopping moment when at least 20 sharks circled him, drawn by the scent of discarded fish carcasses.
Within seconds of hitting the water, he felt the searing pain of a shark’s bite on his leg, swiftly followed by another brutal assault on his shoulder. Despite the chaos, Wakeman’s quick thinking and the swift actions of his boat’s captain ensured his survival.
Displaying unwavering courage, Wakeman recounted how the captain swiftly applied a tourniquet to stem the bleeding from his leg before rushing him to a nearby clinic.
From there, he was swiftly airlifted to St. Mary’s Medical Center in Florida, where Dr. Robert Borrego, a trauma surgeon, assessed his injuries.
Dr. Borrego detailed the severity of Wakeman’s wounds, noting that the shark’s bite had punctured his kneecap and narrowly missed a critical artery.
Estimating the length of the shark based on the size of the bite mark, Dr. Borrego approximated the predator to be approximately 7 feet long.
Despite the physical and emotional toll of the ordeal, Wakeman remains undeterred in his passion for the ocean. “I may have some nightmares here or there, but I’ll be all right,” he affirmed, his resolve shining through.
As Wakeman continues his recovery journey, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable dangers that lurk beneath the waves.
Yet, it also speaks volumes about the indomitable spirit of individuals like Wakeman, whose love for the sea transcends even the most harrowing of trials. With unwavering determination, he sets his sights on a future where he once again embraces the boundless freedom of the ocean depths.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our staff editorial members
