Marlin Wakeman, a 24-year-old man from Stuart, Florida, who fell off a fishing boat at a marina in the Bahamas and was attacked by a shark, is currently recovering. He recounted the incident during a news conference at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, expressing his intention to return to the Bahamas and the water soon despite the traumatic experience. While Wakeman acknowledged he may have nightmares about the incident, he remained optimistic about his recovery.
The incident occurred at the Flying Fish Marina in Long Island on April 26 when Wakeman attempted to jump onto the boat he was working on. He mentioned that approximately 20 sharks are frequently present around the marina due to the discarded fish carcasses attracting them. Unfortunately, Wakeman slipped and fell into the shark-infested water, where he was bitten on the leg by what he identified as a Caribbean reef shark. Additionally, he was also attacked on the shoulder by another shark before managing to escape from the water.
After falling victim to the shark attack, Wakeman received initial medical treatment at a clinic where a tourniquet was applied to his injured leg by the boat’s captain. Subsequently, he was flown to Florida for surgery at St. Mary’s Medical Center, where Dr. Robert Borrego, a trauma surgeon, attended to him. Dr. Borrego described how the shark had punctured Wakeman’s kneecap, narrowly missing an artery. Based on the size of the bite mark, the doctor estimated the shark to be around 7 feet long. Despite the severity of the injuries, Dr. Borrego expressed confidence in Wakeman’s full recovery.
During his recovery process, Wakeman showed resilience and determination to overcome the psychological and physical impact of his shark attack ordeal. He emphasized his eagerness to return to the Bahamas and the water in the near future, vowing not to let the incident deter him from pursuing his passion for fishing. Throughout his stay at the medical center, Wakeman received ongoing support from the medical staff and his loved ones, who encouraged him to remain positive and focused on his recuperation.
As Wakeman continues to recuperate from his injuries, he remains grateful for the swift and effective medical care he received following the shark attack. The support from his family, friends, and medical team has played a significant role in his physical and emotional healing process. Through his resilience and determination, Wakeman has inspired others with his positive outlook and unwavering determination to overcome adversity. His story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of remaining courageous in the face of challenges, regardless of how daunting they may seem.
