A Florida man has emerged victorious after surviving his second shark attack in just over a decade, and he’s eager to get back to the waves.
Cole Taschman, 28, was riding the surf with friends to honor the memory of a recently deceased friend when he experienced the horrifying bite near Bathtub Beach, located in Stuart, Florida. According to reports from USA Today, this was all too familiar for Taschman, who had previously been attacked by a shark 11 years prior.
On this recent outing, Taschman was engaged in prayer for their departed friend along with two friends when he suddenly felt the painful grip of what he suspects was either a bull or tiger shark clamping onto his foot. He recalled the frightening moment, saying, "I got bit! I need to get out of the water!"
His fiancée, Ana Peci, was on the shore recording the poignant moment when she heard his cries. Peci described her immediate panic, saying, "I was just freaking out. But I grabbed a towel and ran downstairs right away because I had no idea what to expect or where he was bit... and then I saw what condition he was in."
Peci, along with friends Hunter Roland and Zach Bucolo, quickly sprang to his aid. They fashioned makeshift tourniquets from the leashes of Taschman's surfboard to stem the intense bleeding from his leg. Seeing the severity of the injury, the group decided against calling 911, opting instead for a chaotic drive to the nearest hospital.
During the ride, Taschman suffered from bouts of unconsciousness, but thankfully, they managed to get him to Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital in Stuart. From there, he was swiftly transferred to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach.
After undergoing two surgeries and spending four days hospitalized—during which he received 93 stitches and 10-15 staples—Taschman was finally discharged and is now on the mend. Reports indicate he might even need another surgery later on.
Taschman and his friends are no strangers to the waters of Palm Beach, where shark bites happen frequently. Bathtub Beach is notorious for these encounters, ranking as one of Florida's top three for shark attacks. Regardless of the risks, Taschman remains enthusiastic about getting back to surfing, expressing his determination to return to the ocean soon.
Reflecting on the incidents, it’s evident Taschman has faced his fears head-on, demonstrating resilience against the ocean's unpredictable nature. Despite the traumatic experiences associated with the previous and recent shark encounters, he embodies the spirit of adventure, undeterred by his harrowing encounters with these majestic and often misunderstood creatures of the sea.
