A few weeks ago, Marlin Wakeman had an incident while working on a boat docked in the Bahamas. As he was jumping onto the vessel, it suddenly surged in the water, causing him to slip off and fall into the marina.
“I could anticipate what was about to happen,” Wakeman expressed.
In just a few seconds, the 24-year-old Floridian managed to hoist himself back onto the boat, although not without enduring a bite from a Caribbean reef shark on his leg.
According to Wakeman, the boat was parked at the Flying Fish Marina in Long Island, a popular spot for sharks due to the frequent presence of fish carcasses left behind by fishermen.
During a press briefing at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he received treatment for his shark bite, Wakeman expressed his thoughts on the incident. He highlighted the constant presence of approximately 20 sharks in the area, emphasizing the potential dangers they pose. Reflecting on the incident, Wakeman and his friends had discussed the severity of falling into the water, recognizing the potential life-threatening consequences.
According to the individual’s account, he recounted how the shark initially dragged him beneath the water’s surface before releasing its grip on his leg. Fortunately, he was able to swiftly hoist himself onto the boat just before another shark made an attempt to attack him.
“He said he had an overwhelming surge of adrenaline coursing through his body.”
After emerging from the water, Wakeman’s boat captain swiftly applied a tourniquet to his leg. As the initial surge of adrenaline subsided, he began to experience intense pain.
He told his captain, “Hey man, I really don’t want to die right now. This isn’t it.”
After sustaining the injury, he promptly sought medical attention at a nearby clinic for immediate treatment to control the damage. Skilled medical professionals skillfully stitched up the wound to halt the bleeding. Following this initial intervention, he was then transferred to St. Mary’s Medical Center where he underwent surgery under the care of Dr. Robert Borrego, a highly experienced trauma surgeon at the hospital.
According to Borrego’s estimation, the shark responsible for biting Wakeman was at least 7 feet in size. The bite wound revealed that the shark punctured the kneecap and narrowly missed an artery in close proximity, as Borrego stated.
According to Borrego, the team took immediate action to cleanse the wound and address the joint injury in order to minimize the risk of infection. Fortunately, Wakeman is expected to fully recover from the ordeal.
Dr. Borrego, who treats several shark bite victims annually, expressed his amazement at the survivor’s ability to escape a tank with 20 sharks and still have a leg intact. He emphasized the quick reaction and absence of panic as crucial factors contributing to this remarkable feat.
Wakeman’s parents were aware of the inherent risk their son faced while working on the water, including the possibility of a shark bite. However, they were still taken aback when they received the news of the incident.
“I am well aware of their capabilities,” Rufus Wakeman, a boat captain, expressed to reporters regarding his son’s situation. “I have personal acquaintances who have experienced their bites, and witnessing the extent of the injuries they have endured is truly shocking. And now, it has happened to our son. It’s a frightening experience for us.”
The crew on the boat to the doctors at the clinic and hospital were thanked by his parents for their involvement.
“We feel incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity for Marlin to share his story,” expressed Melynda Wakeman, Marlin’s mother, during a press conference.
Wakeman expressed his gratitude for being able to share his shark encounter.
“They are a top predator, and if they bite you, it can result in a rather unpleasant experience,” he mentioned. “I was extremely fortunate, as things could have taken a completely different turn, you know.”
During an interview with a reporter, Wakeman was asked about the potential impact of the situation on his future. In response, he mentioned that he might experience occasional nightmares but expressed confidence in his ability to overcome any challenges.
“I think I should have been a bit more cautious when boarding the boat,” he reflected.
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