Florida Fisherman Loses Leg After Great White Shark Attack

A Florida fisherman faced a nightmare that turned quickly into horror after stepping off his boat near Boca Grande Key to check out a nearby sandbar. David Daniel, 43, was with friends when the group decided to leave the vessel and walk on the shallow water. One of his companions spotted a shark in the distance just moments later. The dangerous fish swam straight at him. When Daniel lifted his leg as the predator approached, it struck with terrifying force. He lost a large chunk of his limb instantly.

I'm just staring it down the barrel, like, all right, is this really happening? Daniel told WESH while recounting the event. The attack ripped away part of his leg and caused him to bleed out about six liters of blood in minutes. He looked into the water and saw the crimson trail left behind. I said there's no way you're getting off this beach, bud, he recalled telling someone on the shore.

Nurses Courtney McMurray and Chris Green happened to be nearby when they heard Daniel screaming for help. They rushed over immediately. It was right place right time, McMurray said later about their sudden arrival. The two medical professionals helped stabilize him before extra aid could reach the scene. We did our jobs as nurses to help control the bleeding and get the limb elevated, Green explained in an interview with WSVN. They also shouted for someone to radio the Coast Guard while treating his wounds.

Daniel sat on the beach accepting his fate at that moment. He thought if it's your time to go, it's your time to go. The nurses became angels coming out of nowhere, he told reporters later. If it weren't for them, I would 100% be dead on the beach, he said with relief about their medical training and presence. Grace to God that they were all medically-trained people saved his life that day.

Doctors airlifted him to Jackson South Medical Center where surgeons performed two emergency operations. They managed to save his foot despite the severity of the bite. Now Daniel faces a long road ahead. He cannot walk for six to eight weeks and will need extensive physical therapy sessions. The Daily Mail reports these details clearly without exaggeration.

There is a serious financial burden hanging over him now. He does not have health insurance, which creates an overwhelming obstacle on top of the physical pain and emotional stress from recovery. A GoFundMe page has been set up to cover his medical bills, therapy costs, and living expenses while he cannot work. The fundraiser currently sits at around $10,000 but needs more support to reach its goal.