Florida man survives attack by 8-foot bull shark off Key West

Florida man survives attack by 8-foot bull shark off Key West

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida man is recovering in a Miami-Dade hospital after he was attacked by a shark in Key West.

Jose Abreu, a 37-year-old spearfisherman, was reeling in a catch on Monday when an 8-foot bull shark tried to steal his catch.

Florida species becomes first local extinction in the U.S. due to sea level rise

Instead of the shark snatching Abreu’s fish, he got the fisherman’s leg, twice, along with his shoulder.

Abreu told NBC affiliate WTVJ that his friend was able to fend off the shark and get Abreu to safety.

The video shows first responders helping the victim off the boat after strapping his leg. He is then hauled off on a stretcher into an ambulance.

20 people treated after ‘bug bomb’ falls off shelf inside Florida Publix

In the hospital, Abreu shows where the shark grabbed his leg, saying he didn’t have time to be scared.

“You need to try to escape the shark, it’s the only option,” he added.

Abreu said he is grateful he survived, and for his friend who sprang into action to save his life.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.