SEBASTIAN, Fla. – Rescue crews in Brevard County had to use a ladder to reach a man who was stranded after a shark flipped over his kayak.
24-year-old Stamatis Stomouli was fishing at Sebastian Inlet Wednesday afternoon when he hooked a shark. He told rescuers the shark then flipped his kayak and put him in the water.
While in the water, the strong current threw the man onto rocks on the north side of the fishing pier.
When rescuers arrived, they had to use a 24-foot ladder to reach the stranded man. Crews then put the man in a basket and used a rope to slide him up the ladder to safety.
Rescuers told Florida Today they were prepared for this rescue after dealing with a similar rescue within the last six months. During the previous rescue, crews didn't bring a basket, making the rescue difficult.