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“I felt like a bear trap suddenly closed around my arm”, recounted Matthew Bender, a 40-year-old surfer, after surviving a brutal shark attack at one of the most dangerous beaches in the world, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
The incident occurred on Sunday, July 6, in Volusia County, known globally for having the highest number of shark bites, reported FOX News.
Bender, a resident of Winter Park, was enjoying a surfing session when, without warning, the shark fiercely latched onto his arm.
“I felt extreme pressure, electricity... and then, in an instant, it was all gone. I didn't even see the shark,” he said from his hospital bed, where he underwent emergency surgery to reconnect torn muscles, tendons, and nerves.
With his arm bleeding profusely and in the midst of panic, Bender had the presence of mind to ask for a strap to improvise a tourniquet. He used his other hand to press directly on the wound while the bathers helped him stop the bleeding.
“When I looked down, my arm was completely destroyed. It’s a miracle that my hand is still functioning,” he said.
Videos of the moment show several swimmers surrounding him before rescuers took him to the hospital. The bite measured about 25 centimeters long and left deep damage. However, miraculously he was able to move his fingers even before entering the operating room.
Bender, who describes himself as a "heartfelt" surfer, not only clings to his faith to explain his survival but also to his passion: he has already promised to return to the sea once he recovers.
“I believe the Lord prevented it from becoming something serious. He works in mysterious ways. I need to take a short break, but I will return,” he stated.
Doctors expect a full recovery, although they warn that the scar will be permanent. He, not losing his sense of humor, joked: “I don’t know if it will be the type that girls like, but it could be ugly”.
New Smyrna Beach is famous among surfers, but it is also sadly notorious for its frequent shark attacks. So far this summer, multiple incidents have been reported in Florida, a state that attracts a large number of tourists and has beaches open to the Atlantic Ocean.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shark Attacks in Florida
Why is New Smyrna Beach known as the shark bite capital of the world?
New Smyrna Beach, Florida, is known as the shark bite capital of the world due to the high frequency of these incidents in its waters. The combination of a large number of surfers and the constant presence of sharks in the area makes encounters common. Overall, Florida is a state with a high number of shark attacks due to its extensive coastline and the abundance of tourists and locals who enjoy its beaches.
What are the recommended safety measures to prevent shark attacks in Florida?
To avoid shark attacks in Florida, it is recommended to refrain from swimming during dawn or dusk, when sharks are most active. It is also advisable not to wear shiny objects or brightly colored swimsuits that may attract sharks, and to avoid swimming alone or far from the shore. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to warning signs on the beaches and to follow the instructions of lifeguards.
What should surfers do if they are bitten by a shark?
If a surfer is bitten by a shark, they must get out of the water as quickly as possible and seek medical help immediately. It is crucial to apply direct pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding while waiting for medical assistance. In the case of Matthew Bender, who suffered an attack in New Smyrna Beach, he used the strap from his surfboard to improvise a tourniquet, which helped control the blood loss until responders arrived.
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