Tag Archives: shark attack

Riley Petrovich Was Attacked By A Shark

Shark attacks are surprisingly common on the east coast of Florida near the armpit of the state at a beach dubbed the shark bite capital of the world, a spot that has more shark attacks annually than any other spot on the planet. This is thanks to the many surfers playing at a spot known as shark feeding grounds. Every year most shark attacks happen during one month according to shark bite record keeping. Those attacks occur in the month of August.

This year one of our own have felt the pressure of a medium sized shark clamping down its jaws. Near the beginning of the month during a surf trip to New Smyrna Beach Riley Petrovich was attacked by the hungry predator. He had a lot to say about the experience.

According to Riley the bite happened quick. It wasn’t something he could see coming. The shark didn’t circle him, he didn’t see any fin swimming near him. He was standing in the water on the inside of the sand bar closer to the beach when suddenly something quickly clamped down. I asked, did you punch it in the nose like they say to do? It was just way to quick, he said. It bit then let go; it was just instantly gone as fast as it happened. It wasn’t a thrashing around where his life flashed before his eyes. It just quickly bit, and let go. It was like a taste test, and he wasn’t something the shark liked very much.

He was very fortunate, just a case of mistaken identity. He didn’t sustain any major injuries like torn muscles or missing toes. He says that he feels like this was a good experience, that instead of being afraid to get back in the water he feels confident that the fish in the water aren’t very dangerous, and that he knows what could happen, a mental preparedness. And after this experience, he’s not afraid of those little fishes that swim around at the beach.

Shark Attack in Jacksonville, Florida Yesterday While Surfing Hurricane Maria

The poles is an iconic surf spot in Jacksonville, Florida known for its hollow barrels, and protected jetty just a thousand yards away. Bordered by the Mayport naval station this spot sits just on the edge of a no beach entry zone. Yesterday, while Hurricane Maria was weakening, at the time down to 80mph winds on Monday, the surf from the overnight 105mph strength winds was filling in at the coast. Surfers eager to score thumping barrels with air winds at the Mayport poles were out in the lineup searching for a few gems. Unfortunately, we’re in the time of year when shark attacks are most frequent. The month of September poses the highest risk of being attacked by a shark since waters are warmest and fish species flourish along the coast. Yesterday at the poles a surfer was attacked by a shark while in the water during this epic Hurricane Maria surf. This is an unfortunate, but not completely shocking incident. Surf report/shark attack image by the long time Jacksonville, Mayport Poles surf reporter: 911surfreport.com.

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