Volusia County surfer recovering after shark attack

Teen bitten in leg while surfing, beach patrol says

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – A surfer is recovering after he was bitten by a shark off of the Volusia County coast.

Volusia County Beach Patrol said the attack, which occurred off of Ponce Inlet, occurred on Aug. 29.

Officials said the teen was surfing on the north side of the Ponce Inlet north jetty when he jumped off of his surfboard and into the water.

"I was just super scared. I just didn't think it could happen to me," said Brendan Murphy.

But it did. The 17-year-old showed Local 6 a picture of his shark wound and teeth marks that were left on his leash that was once attached to his surfboard. He said it happened while he and his friend were out surfing two weeks ago near the north side of the jetty.

"I was pulling my leash towards me to get my board and there was just like a shark thrashing at my feet and I just jumped back," said Murphy.

The shark bit the 17-year-old surfer on the shin, resulting in the teen getting 15 staples in his leg. The shark was believed to have been 3 to 4 feet in length and gray in color.

"Once I got out of the water, I looked at my foot and I just saw the blood rushing down it," he said.

That's when he called for his friend to take him to his dad's house, hoping it wasn't anything too serious.

"I was trying to convince my dad just to give me butterfly band-aids but he said no, we have to go to the hospital."

Fourteen stitches later and a day off from school, Murphy has fully recovered and has a message for others.

"Sharks are pretty much out there. You don't know it but you could get bit, really."

Murphy had the staples taken out of his leg on Thursday morning and is doing fine. He also said he plans to surf again, once he gets the all clear.

It's believed the shark could have been a spinner or black tip.


About the Author:

Loren Korn is a native Texan who joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2014. She was born and raised in Houston and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Journalism.

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