2 surfers bitten by sharks off New Smyrna Beach 1 man from Port Orange, other from Longwood
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A 22-year-old surfer has a tale to tell after he said a shark bit him in the foot.
"It just felt like I stepped in a bear trap," said Cole Dean.
Dean is now hopping around on crutches, thanks to what he believes was a 3 1/2-foot spinner shark.
"That's my guess because they're the only ones that come out of the water like that. It was just so aggressive," he said.
The attack happened while Dean was surfing Saturday morning in New Smyrna Beach, just minutes from his home.
"I felt it, heard it. I looked back and the shark came up out of the water, with my foot in his mouth. Thankfully he let go."
The shark left a deep gash behind, but it didn't stop Dean from running back to his house and then to the hospital.
"I got seven stitches," he said.
Dean also learned that he was the second person that day to get bit by a shark in New Smyrna Beach.
"I was very surprised, but it was kind of relieving just knowing I'm not alone in that sort of predicament," he said.
Dean said he's thankful that he wasn't seriously injured and plans to go surfing once he's off the crutches.
"In two weeks I should be good to be back in the water. We got good waves coming," he said.
The Volusia County Beach Safety Patrol said there have been 14 shark bites so far this year.
Copyright 2016 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.
About the Author Loren Korn headshot
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.
‘Troubling’ video surfaces of Daytona Beach officer during arrest, mayor says ▶ 2:08
‘Troubling’ video surfaces of Daytona Beach officer during arrest, mayor says
Orlando City SC talks about coaching change ▶ 1:17
Orlando City SC talks about coaching change
NASA announces April launch date for Artemis II ▶ 0:52
NASA announces April launch date for Artemis II
Florida woman accused of letting newborn drown in toilet get bond ▶ 0:55
Florida woman accused of letting newborn drown in toilet get bond
Why the Strait of Hormuz matters to gas prices ▶ 1:25
Why the Strait of Hormuz matters to gas prices
Pulse Orlando sign removed as city prepares for club’s demolition ▶ 1:17
Pulse Orlando sign removed as city prepares for club’s demolition
Murder plot sought to resurrect Sandy Hook shooter at Lake Brantley High School, records show ▶ 0:45
Murder plot sought to resurrect Sandy Hook shooter at Lake Brantley High School, records show
Hidden camera videos show casinos allegedly tied to suspended sheriff Marcos Lopez ▶ 0:35
Hidden camera videos show casinos allegedly tied to suspended sheriff Marcos Lopez
3 Apps To Save Money At The Pump ▶ 1:00
3 Apps To Save Money At The Pump
Thief steals thousands from Volusia veteran group’s bank account ▶ 0:35
Thief steals thousands from Volusia veteran group’s bank account
'We have a mental health crisis' ▶ 1:46
'We have a mental health crisis'
Septic-to-sewer conversion could cost Port St. John homeowners up to $100K ▶ 1:01
Septic-to-sewer conversion could cost Port St. John homeowners up to $100K
Luxury cars, watches in Dubai: Judge freezes Ponzi scheme defendant’s assets ▶ 1:07
Luxury cars, watches in Dubai: Judge freezes Ponzi scheme defendant’s assets
‘Didn’t think this one through:’ Volusia sheriff confronts woman accused of scamming thousands ▶ 0:49
‘Didn’t think this one through:’ Volusia sheriff confronts woman accused of scamming thousands
'Blatantly Honest' Foundation hosts charity golf tournement for mental health ▶ 0:40
'Blatantly Honest' Foundation hosts charity golf tournement for mental health
Races to watch in Orange County ▶ 2:17
Races to watch in Orange County
Toucan on the lam spotted near Orlando spa ▶ 0:40
Toucan on the lam spotted near Orlando spa
Florida House approves new license plate bill. Here’s what happens next ▶ 0:55
Florida House approves new license plate bill. Here’s what happens next
Toucan on the lam spotted near Orlando spa ▶ 1:57
Toucan on the lam spotted near Orlando spa
BLOCKBUSTER STORE IN ORLANDO ▶ 0:52
BLOCKBUSTER STORE IN ORLANDO
Orange County commissioners decide against infrastructure tax on November ballot ▶ 1:20
Orange County commissioners decide against infrastructure tax on November ballot
Dunnellon opts to not move ahead with injunction against CSX after rail tie fire ▶ 0:58
Dunnellon opts to not move ahead with injunction against CSX after rail tie fire
Handmade Rum Cakes in Orlando ▶ 1:24
Handmade Rum Cakes in Orlando
EGG ROLL LOVE at the Central Florida Fair ▶ 1:07
EGG ROLL LOVE at the Central Florida Fair
Carnival Speakeasy at the Central Florida Fair ▶ 0:44
Carnival Speakeasy at the Central Florida Fair
Previous photo Next photo