Bodycam footage from one of the rescuers who assisted Cuban spearfisherman José Ángel Abreu after he was bitten by a shark on Monday afternoon highlights the professionalism of the emergency services and the harrowing ordeal faced by the fisherman.
The video, released by local media outlets, shows that Abreu did not lose consciousness and that a crucial part of the first aid provided was compressing his thigh to control the bleeding and prevent a potentially fatal hemorrhage. The footage also captures the concern of his children, who witnessed the distressing event.
Abreu was spearfishing on a reef off the coast of Key West when he was attacked. He was brought ashore in Stock Island shortly after and airlifted to the hospital by helicopter.
“I would have died, and my children were right there, witnessing everything,” Abreu told a Noticias Telemundo journalist. The 37-year-old Cuban, a resident of Opa-locka in Miami-Dade County, was helping a friend with spearfishing and had a fish beside him when a bull shark approached.
“It was like a lightning bolt, seeing the shark coming at you with its mouth open. All you can think is that it’s going to eat you,” Abreu described. He struggled and managed to free himself initially, but the shark came back and bit his left leg, making it impossible to avoid the attack despite his efforts to fend it off.
Abreu also sustained injuries to the right side of his chest and his left arm. Thanks to his friend David Cruz, who scared off the shark, Abreu made it to the boat where his 10 and 12-year-old children were waiting.
He never lost consciousness, whether on the boat ride back to the marina or during the medevac helicopter transport. In interviews from his hospital bed at Jackson Memorial South, Abreu expressed that he believed he was going to die and that his children pleaded with him to stay alive.
“I’m happy to have a second chance and to still be whole, with no missing body parts,” said an emotional Abreu, acknowledging his near-death experience. “It’s unlikely for a shark to attack and even more so for it to come back and try again,” stated biologist Camila Cáceres to the media.
In recent months, reports of shark attacks have increased along various U.S. coasts, some resulting in serious injuries. Last year, there were 36 unprovoked shark attacks on humans in the United States, with two fatalities, according to the most recent annual report from the International Shark Attack File of the Florida Museum of Natural History.
The project, which documents shark attacks globally, notes the relatively small risk of being attacked by a shark but advises swimmers to further minimize their risk by staying in groups and closer to shore.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shark Attacks and Safety
Given the recent increase in shark attack reports along U.S. coasts, it is important to understand the nature of these incidents and measures to stay safe. Here are some common questions and answers about shark attacks and safety precautions:
How common are shark attacks?
Shark attacks are relatively uncommon. In the United States, there were 36 unprovoked shark attacks in the past year, with two fatalities.
What should I do if I see a shark while swimming?
If you see a shark while swimming, remain calm and try to slowly and smoothly return to shore. Avoid splashing or making sudden movements, as this can attract the shark’s attention.
How can I minimize the risk of a shark attack?
To minimize the risk of a shark attack, swim in groups, stay close to the shore, avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, and avoid wearing shiny jewelry or bright clothing, which can attract sharks.