
A shark attack off the coast of Fernandina Beach left a Florida man in critical condition on Friday. The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit responded to a distress call around 11:15 a.m., reporting a severe shark bite on a fishing boat.
The victim, in his 40s, suffered a severe bite to his right forearm, resulting in heavy blood loss. Quick-thinking by a Nassau County Sheriff’s Office deputy, who boarded the boat and applied a tourniquet, was crucial in stabilizing the man.
Sheriff Bill Leeper praised the deputy as a “hero” for his swift and effective response. The deputy then navigated the boat to the Dee Dee Bartels boat ramp, where emergency personnel from Fernandina Beach Fire Rescue were waiting. The victim was immediately airlifted to UF Health Jacksonville Medical Center and remains in critical condition, though he is expected to recover.
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office released a video on Facebook detailing the incident and the heroic actions of the deputy. Historically, Nassau County has had only eight confirmed shark attacks since 1882, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File.
Nassau County is approximately 150 miles north of Volusia County, which is notorious for shark attacks. Volusia County has recorded 351 confirmed shark attacks since 1882, including 17 in 2021.
Florida saw 16 shark attacks last year, representing 44% of all U.S. shark attacks and 23% of the global total. In June, three shark attacks occurred in two separate incidents along Florida’s Gulf Coast. One woman had her arm amputated and sustained critical hip injuries in Walton County, while two teenage girls were attacked near Seacrest Beach, suffering significant injuries.
Sheriff Leeper emphasized the importance of quick action in such emergencies, crediting the deputy’s prompt response with saving the victim’s life. This incident underscores the risks associated with fishing and swimming in shark-prone waters and highlights the heroism of those who respond to such crises.