Hans Pruss, a 68-year-old German tourist, was bitten on the left leg by an unidentified shark while swimming about 100 metres offshore of Naples Beach, Florida, USA.
The incident occurred around 8.30am Monday, 7 May 2007.
Pruss managed to swim back to shore where he noticed a large circular bite beginning above his left knee and extending to his mid-thigh.
According to media reports he walked 150 metres back to his hotel. Hotel staff called 911. He was taken to NCH Naples Downtown Hospital. Emergency workers said the wound was serious but not life threatening.
Bob Hueter, director of the Center for Shark Research at Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota told media that initial reports that the shark was a 6- to- 8-foot bull shark were doubtful. Bull shark bite wounds tend to be severe or fatal, he said.
He said other sharks in the area at this time of year that are known to have attacked humans included black tips, lemon sharks and hammerheads.
Sources
Naples News
