MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – A man was bitten by a shark while spearfishing near Key West on Monday, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Jose Abrue Hernandez, 37, was bitten by an 8-foot bull shark, the sheriff’s office said. He was airlifted to a Miami-area hospital with injuries to his chest and to both of his legs, according to News 6 partner Local 10.
“The victim reportedly was alert and responsive at the time of the airlift,” MCSO spokesperson Adam Linhardt said in a news release Monday. “His immediate condition was not clear at the time of this release.”
Hernandez said he was fishing at a reef and trying to get his catch back to his boat when the shark bit him around 3:40 p.m.
“He put the mouth here, and here, and I try to hold the mouth,” he said, recounting the attack.
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Monday’s incident follows several other recent shark bites in Florida, such as four recorded just this month in Volusia County.
According to the Florida Museum in Gainesville, Florida had the most unprovoked shark bites of any state last year; among the 69 unprovoked shark bites recorded worldwide in 2023, 36 were in the U.S., 16 of which were in Florida.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has shared the following tips to reduce your odds of being bitten by a shark:
- Always stay in groups because sharks are more likely to bite a solitary individual.
- Do not wander too far from shore; this isolates an individual and places them far away from assistance.
- Avoid being in the water during darkness.
- Do not enter the water if bleeding from an open wound or if menstruating; a shark’s ability to smell blood is acute.
- Wearing shiny jewelry is discouraged. When light reflects off shiny jewelry, it resembles the sheen of fish scales.
- Avoid waters with known discharges or sewage and waters used for any type of fishing, especially if there are signs of baitfish or feeding activity.
- Use extra caution when waters are murky.
- Remember that sharks see contrast particularly well. Uneven tans and bright-colored clothing may draw a shark’s attention.
- Refrain from excess splashing, as this may draw a shark’s attention.
- Do not allow pets in the water, their erratic movements may draw a shark’s attention.
- Swim only in areas tended by lifeguards.
- Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present and get out of the water if sharks are sighted.
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