I’ve Never Hit Anything So Hard: What It’s Like to Be Attacked by a Shark
Peter Smith recalls a life-altering encounter with a bull shark during what was supposed to be a relaxing holiday in Tobago.
– The Perfect Day Turns Terrifying
– It was the final hour of Peter’s vacation when he decided to take a dip in the sea.
– The conditions were perfect for a swim, says Peter, a retired IT director. I dived into the waves, swam out no more than 20 feet (6m), and stood waist-deep in the water.
– Accompanied by his wife Joanna and friends, the last thing on their minds was the risk of shark attacks, as they are virtually unheard of in this Caribbean paradise.
– The Shark Encounter
– Suddenly, Peter felt a heavy impact against his leg. “I look down and there’s a shark – and it’s big, he recalls, estimating it to be about 10 feet (3m) long.
– Realizing he was facing a bull shark, known for its aggressive nature in shallow waters, Peter’s mind raced at lightning speed.
– The Fight for Survival
– Immediately recognizing the danger, he fought back.
– I started punching the shark. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what I was trying to achieve, but I was hitting it. I can honestly say I’ve never hit anything as hard as I hit that shark.
– The ferocity of the attack escalated rapidly; after biting his leg, the shark injured his left arm and stomach.
– Rescue and Aftermath
– Fortunately, fellow swimmers John and Moira intervened, helping drag Peter from the water.
– Joanna rushed to the shoreline after hearing Moira’s screams and was horrified to see her husband’s severe injuries.
– I could see bones; it was just awful, she recalls.
– Medical Emergency
– Peter was rushed to Tobago’s only hospital, suffering from deep lacerations and significant blood loss.
– As I was being placed in the ambulance, the pain hit me hard. I was screaming, crying, and losing consciousness, Peter remembers.
– Doctors even discussed potential surgery to remove his limbs due to the extent of his injuries.
– A Journey to Recovery
– Transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami for specialized care, Peter underwent multiple surgeries.
– One surgery made use of a unique membrane for healing: “Then they laughed, saying it was made from shark,” Peter adds humorously, noting he now has a piece of shark in his leg.
– Living with the Experience
– His path to recovery included relearning to walk and facing lifelong nerve damage that affects his hand. Yet, Peter remains optimistic: “I’m really grateful. At least I have mobility issues. At least I have limbs.”
– He feels indebted to both his friends and the doctors who saved him during and after the attack.
– Shark Attacks: A Rare Occurrence
– Bull sharks are responsible for several recent attacks, including a series in Australia that raised concerns. Experts remind the public that shark attacks are rare compared to the number of people enjoying water activities.
– According to the International Shark Attack File, Peter’s experience marked the first recorded shark attack in Tobago.
– Overcoming Fear
– Shark expert Tom Hird highlights that although bull sharks may retaliate when threatened, fatalities from shark bites are extremely uncommon.
– Peter does not want his incident to paint sharks in a negative light. “The people in Tobago were really good to me. They depend on tourism for their livelihood. I’d go back,” he insists.
– “What’s the point in surviving a shark attack if you’re going to live the rest of your life in fear?”
Through resilience and gratitude, Peter’s story serves as a reminder that, despite their fears, many individuals can coexist with nature’s wildest creatures.