A Florida man named Marlin Wakeman, 24, recently survived a shark attack after falling off a fishing boat at a marina in the Bahamas. Despite the terrifying experience, Wakeman expressed a desire to return to the water as soon as possible, stating that he may have some nightmares but will be okay overall. The incident occurred at the Flying Fish Marina on April 26, where Wakeman fell into the shark-infested water while trying to jump onto a boat he was working on. It was reported that at least 20 sharks swam around the marina due to the discarded fish carcasses that attracted them.
Once in the water, Wakeman was bitten on the leg by a Caribbean reef shark soon after falling in, and he was attacked again on the shoulder by another shark before managing to get out of the water. The boat’s captain helped him by tying a tourniquet on his leg, after which he was transported to a nearby clinic for treatment. Subsequently, Wakeman was flown to Florida for surgery at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach. The trauma surgeon, Dr. Robert Borrego, mentioned that the shark had punctured Wakeman’s kneecap and narrowly missed an artery during the attack. He estimated the shark to be about 7 feet long based on the size of the bite mark.
During a news conference held at the medical center, Wakeman shared details of his ordeal and expressed gratitude for the care he received from the medical staff who helped him throughout the ordeal. Despite the injuries sustained during the shark attack, Borrego remained optimistic about Wakeman’s recovery, stating that he expects him to make a full recovery following the surgery and treatment. The incident is a reminder of the dangers that can be present when working around marine life, particularly in areas known for shark activity, such as the marina in the Bahamas.
As Wakeman continues to recuperate from his injuries, he has shown resilience and a positive attitude towards his recovery process. His willingness to return to the water despite the traumatic experience demonstrates his passion for fishing and his adventurous spirit. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for others to be aware of the risks associated with interacting with marine life, especially in areas where sharks are known to frequent. With the support of his medical team, family, and friends, Wakeman is on the path to recovery and will likely be back on the water pursuing his passion for fishing in the near future.