Marlin Deere Wakeman, a 24-year-old Florida native, survived a terrifying shark attack at a marina in the Bahamas. He slipped into the water at the Flying Fish Marina, where sharks fed on carcasses dumped by fishermen. Despite having 5 to 7-foot Caribbean Reef Sharks surrounding him, Wakeman remained calm as he battled the predators. The first shark bit him in the knee, pulling him under briefly, while the second shark went for his shoulder. Despite feeling immense pressure from the bites, Wakeman was able to kick his way free from the first shark and pull himself back into the boat after the second attack.
Wakeman said he was aware of what was happening and didn’t feel fear during the attacks. His adrenaline kicked in, allowing him to fight back and get back into the boat. He immediately started screaming for help, and his captain applied a tourniquet to his leg. Despite not feeling much pain initially, Wakeman began to feel the effects as they transported him to a clinic. He eventually blacked out from the pain of his injuries. Dr. Robert Borrego, the trauma medical director at St. Mary’s, credited the captain and Bahamian medics for saving Wakeman’s life by stopping his bleeding and getting him to safety.
Wakeman, who is still on crutches, will need rehab but is expected to make a full recovery. His father, Rufus Wakeman, expressed gratitude for those who helped his son and emphasized the shock and fear that comes with shark attacks. Despite the traumatic experience, Wakeman remains eager to return to the water and does not anticipate being haunted by the incident for long. He realizes the rarity of surviving a shark attack relatively unscathed and considers himself lucky to be able to tell his tale. Surviving two shark bites in one encounter is a remarkable feat that few can claim to have accomplished, and Wakeman is grateful for his second chance.
