A GoFundMe has been started for the young man who was attacked by a shark and critically injured while snorkeling off Naval Support Activity Panama City’s MWR Marina.
A friend of the victim’s family, Taylor Paige, launched an online fundraiser with the goal of raising $200,000 for the “young man” whose name is not being released to protect his privacy.
The attack happened on June 8 in St. Andrew Bay. Paige said his friend is still in intensive care “fighting for recovery.”
As of June 26 more than $38,000 has been raised.
“I’m reaching out on behalf of one of the strongest and most caring people I’ve ever known,” Paige wrote. “He is currently in the ICU following a sudden and severe shark attack. He and his family are facing an incredibly long and difficult road ahead. Out of respect for their privacy, I won’t be sharing names or identifying details, but I hope you’ll consider supporting them during this critical time.”
The victim is an employee with the Naval Warfare Center Panama City Division. He was transported to HCA Gulf Coast Hospital for treatment of critical injuries.
There is no word on the type or extent of his injuries, but bystanders at the scene said he suffered extensive and critical injuries to both of his arms.
“The road ahead is long and uncertain but will involve extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work. This path will be intense not only on our loved one, but the family as well,” Paige said. “While everyone’s focus remains on treatment and support, the financial burden continues to grow. Medical expenses, travel costs, and daily living costs will create significant challenges for him and his family.”
Research biologist John Carlson with the National Marine Fisheries Service believes it was likely a bull shark that attacked him, noting that the shark may have mistaken the swimmer for a struggling sea turtle in the bay’s waters.
“Just an educated evaluation based on the video that I saw and of the size of the animal, it likely was a bull shark,” Carlson told the Panama City News Herald. “We do see bull sharks up in the bays and in coastal areas this time of the year. Bull sharks in the past have been implicated in shark attacks on humans primarily because of their large size.”
Paige said the money is to help the family fully support “a beloved husband, son, and friend” during this difficult time.
“We are asking for help from anyone who feels moved to contribute. Every donation, regardless of size, will go directly towards easing the financial strain, allowing the family to focus on what matters most: healing and recovery,” Paige said.
“If you are unable to donate, continuing to share this fundraiser and keeping this family in your thoughts is deeply appreciated.”
Two injured by sharks in three days in Florida Panhandle
The attack in Panama City came a few days after a man was bitten by a bull shark in Escambia County after he hooked the animal while fishing near the jetties at Fort Pickens on June 5.
The fisherman was taken to the hospital by life flight with non-life-threatening injuries, according to emergency responders.
Escambia County Water Safety Chief Dave Greenwood said lifeguards, firefighters and EMS responded to the shark bite shortly before 6 p.m. that evening.
“He hooked a bull shark, and he landed on the beach and tried to take the hook out and got bit on the upper leg,” Greenwood said.
Biologists say unprovoked shark attacks are extremely rare, especially along the Gulf Coast.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim of this attack,” Carlson said of the injured snorkeler. “It’s very sad. I want to emphasize that these attacks are very rare, especially one at this magnitude. … A lot more people are injured and killed driving to the beach than they actually are going into the water.”
Mollye Barrows is the Escambia County Government Impact Reporter at the Pensacola News Journal. She can be reached at mbarrows@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Panama City shark victim faces long recovery. GoFundMe could help.
Reporting by Mollye Barrows, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mollye Barrows, Pensacola News Journal | USA TODAY Network
