Man's Arm Severely Bitten In Florida Shark Attack

Credit: Nassau County Sheriff's Office

FERNANDINA BEACH, Florida – A man was severely bitten on his right arm in a shark attack that occurred around 11 a.m. on Friday off Fernandina Beach, Florida.

The Nassau County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit responded to a distress call reporting a man aboard his vessel had suffered a severe bite to his right arm.

Upon arrival, deputies found the victim with a critical injury. Acting swiftly, a deputy boarded the vessel and applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. The deputy then piloted the boat to the Dee Dee Bartels boat ramp, where Fernandina Beach Fire Rescue was waiting.

The man was immediately airlifted to a nearby hospital. He is currently listed in critical condition but is expected to recover.

This was the fourth shark attack in Florida this month.

Florida accounted for 44% of all shark attacks in the U.S. and 23% of the world’s total in 2023, according to the University of Florida International Shark Attack File 2023 Worldwide Shark Attack Summary.

Surfers and those participating in board sports accounted for the most shark attacks (42% of the total cases).