In a harrowing encounter that took place last month, Marlin Wakeman, a 24-year-old from Stuart, Florida, is on the road to recovery after being attacked by a shark at a marina in the Bahamas. The incident occurred while Wakeman was attempting to board a fishing boat at the Flying Fish Marina on Long Island.
The Incident
On April 26, Wakeman attempted to jump onto the docked boat he was working on but slipped and fell into the water, which is known to be frequented by sharks due to fish carcasses often being discarded there. Within seconds of falling in, Wakeman was bitten on the leg by what he believes was a Caribbean reef shark. A second shark struck his shoulder before he could escape the water.
Immediate Response and Medical Attention
The boat’s captain quickly acted, applying a tourniquet to Wakeman’s leg to stop the bleeding. Wakeman was initially treated at a local clinic before being flown to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, for surgery. Dr. Robert Borrego, who attended to Wakeman, noted that the shark had punctured his kneecap and narrowly missed an artery. The trauma surgeon estimated the shark to be about 7 feet long based on the bite size.
Courageous Outlook
Despite the terrifying experience, Wakeman remains undeterred and plans to return to the Bahamas and continue working on the water. During a news conference at St. Mary’s, he mentioned that while he might experience some nightmares, he believes he will recover fully. “I’ll be all right,” Wakeman confidently stated, showcasing his resilience and determination to move past the incident.
Reflections on Shark Encounters
This event serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with waters where sharks are known to be present, particularly in areas like marinas where food sources can attract wildlife. As Wakeman’s recovery progresses, his story highlights both the dangers of marine environments and the human spirit’s capacity to overcome challenges.
